Ryan Bauer-Walsh is a New York-based visual artist whose work explores the intersection of memory, identity, and storytelling through a multidisciplinary lens. His pieces—ranging from intimate portraiture to large-scale murals—reside in private collections around the world and have been exhibited in numerous New York City galleries.   On August 8- 16, he will show 50 paintings in an upcoming solo exhibition titled Faggot Baggage, at Gallery 198 in Brooklyn. The autobiographical collection will unfold each evening, with Bauer-Walsh unpacking paintings, clothing, and personal objects to create the exhibition live. It will continue his exploration of magical realism, retro surrealism, and the kind of deep nostalgia that lingers somewhere between a children’s book and an acid trip

“I’ve been called a faggot since before I knew what it meant or who I was,” says Bauer-Walsh in a statement. “For much of my life I’ve performed versions of myself that felt safer than the truth. This exhibition is about choosing honesty instead. Every painting is a piece of baggage I’ve carried, and this is the first time I’m inviting other people to unpack it with me and hang my dirty laundry for all to see.”

Equally committed to accessibility, Bauer-Walsh works with clients of all means, guided by the belief that art is not a luxury, but a birthright. In that spirit, he donated a portrait of the Ali Forney Center valued at $8,000 to support queer youth plus Gallery 198 is hosting a men’s clothing drive benefiting The A Center in conjunction with Bauer-Walsh’s show, with visitors encouraged to donate men’s clothing, including sweaters and overwear. Selected pieces may become part of the evolving installation, too.

Gallery 198, open to the public August 8–16