A fleeting second of flight, suspended between gravity and courage.
The Art of It
Downhill
A fleeting second of flight, suspended between gravity and courage.
In Downhill, artist Ryan Kohler captures a moment that feels almost superhuman— a skier launching into the air, caught in a perfect arc between mountain and sky. At 30” × 15”, this mixed-media canvas is alive with motion and color: deep reds, crisp whites, and bright orange cut through a brilliant blue ground, holding the viewer right there with the athlete. It’ s a rare image, one that celebrates the athleticism and daring of those who take on winter’ s steepest challenges.
Kohler’ s mixed-media style is part of what makes this piece so magical. He layers paint and texture in a way that feels both precise and spontaneous, so the skier seems to hang mid-flight, almost vibrating with energy. The fractured planes and sharp lines give Downhill a sense of speed, while subtle details— like the number“ 10” on the shoulder— keep it human and relatable.
SQUIRREL | Art + Gathered Goods is proud to showcase Kohler’ s work and share Downhill with the Manchester community. Visitors are invited to see this striking piece in person, along with a selection of Kohler’ s other vibrant works, all available at the gallery.
88 manchester life | manchesterlifemagazine. com