The Tenderness of Ruin – Original Framed Abstract Collector Artwork by Erin McGrath Rieke
About This Artwork
The Tenderness of Ruin is an original black acrylic work from my Turbulence Behind Tranquility series. It explores the vulnerability that becomes visible when our foundations begin to break.
A partially formed figure emerges from the black-and-white composition. Dense marks suggest damage, pressure, and collapse, while the surrounding white space gives the figure room to remain. What initially appears ruined begins to reveal a quieter truth: something human is still present and deserving of care.
The title holds a contradiction. Ruin is associated with devastation, yet there can be tenderness in what survives. Cracks expose what was hidden. The places where we come apart may be the places most in need of compassion.
The Tenderness of Ruin considers what becomes possible when pain is met without judgment. It honors the wounded self as neither lost nor beyond repair, but still living.
Artwork Details
Artist: Erin McGrath Rieke
Title: The Tenderness of Ruin
Medium: Black acrylic paint on archival paper
Image Size: 8 W × 10 H in
Framed Size: 11 W × 14 H × 2 D in
Style: Contemporary Abstract Expressionism
Palette: Black and white
Subject: Depression, vulnerability, emotional survival, healing
Series: Turbulence Behind Tranquility
Original Artwork: One-of-a-kind
Frame: Included; professionally matted and framed
Original Collector Artwork
This is a singular, one-of-a-kind work created by Erin McGrath Rieke. Its original brushwork, archival-paper surface, and physical construction exist only in this artwork. Any future prints will be clearly identified as reproductions.
A signed certificate of authenticity documenting the title, medium, dimensions, series, and original status of the work is included with the purchase.
Additional Information
The restricted palette heightens the psychological tension within the composition. Dense black forms suggest a figure or face, while the open paper holds what has disappeared and allows the remaining form to breathe.
As part of Turbulence Behind Tranquility, the work creates space for experiences of mental illness, trauma, recovery, and resilience that may be difficult to express directly. Viewers are invited to bring their own understanding of vulnerability, loss, and endurance to the image.
Collector Price
$475 with shipping included
The price includes the original artwork, professional mat and frame, signed certificate of authenticity, protective packing, handling, insurance, and standard ground delivery within the contiguous United States.
Shipping and Local Pickup
The listed price includes standard insured delivery from St. Louis to one address within the contiguous United States. Expedited transportation or unusual delivery requirements may require an additional charge arranged with the collector before shipment.
Complimentary local pickup is available in the St. Louis area by prior arrangement. Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, and international destinations must be arranged and quoted separately.
Fine-Art Prints
Open-edition archival prints of The Tenderness of Ruin may be offered separately. Prints are reproductions and do not include the original artwork’s frame or certificate of authenticity.
Suggested Tags
The Tenderness of Ruin, Erin McGrath Rieke, original framed artwork, acrylic on archival paper, black and white abstract art, vulnerability artwork, depression artwork, emotional survival, trauma and healing, resilience artwork, abstract figure, psychological abstraction, Turbulence Behind Tranquility, contemporary expressionism, St. Louis artist, original collector artwork
SEO Title
The Tenderness of Ruin | Original Framed Abstract Art
SEO Description
Collect The Tenderness of Ruin, an original framed acrylic work by Erin McGrath Rieke exploring vulnerability, depression, survival, and healing.
The Tenderness of Ruin – Original Framed Abstract Collector Artwork by Erin McGrath Rieke
About This Artwork
The Tenderness of Ruin is an original black acrylic work from my Turbulence Behind Tranquility series. It explores the vulnerability that becomes visible when our foundations begin to break.
A partially formed figure emerges from the black-and-white composition. Dense marks suggest damage, pressure, and collapse, while the surrounding white space gives the figure room to remain. What initially appears ruined begins to reveal a quieter truth: something human is still present and deserving of care.
The title holds a contradiction. Ruin is associated with devastation, yet there can be tenderness in what survives. Cracks expose what was hidden. The places where we come apart may be the places most in need of compassion.
The Tenderness of Ruin considers what becomes possible when pain is met without judgment. It honors the wounded self as neither lost nor beyond repair, but still living.
Artwork Details
Artist: Erin McGrath Rieke
Title: The Tenderness of Ruin
Medium: Black acrylic paint on archival paper
Image Size: 8 W × 10 H in
Framed Size: 11 W × 14 H × 2 D in
Style: Contemporary Abstract Expressionism
Palette: Black and white
Subject: Depression, vulnerability, emotional survival, healing
Series: Turbulence Behind Tranquility
Original Artwork: One-of-a-kind
Frame: Included; professionally matted and framed
Original Collector Artwork
This is a singular, one-of-a-kind work created by Erin McGrath Rieke. Its original brushwork, archival-paper surface, and physical construction exist only in this artwork. Any future prints will be clearly identified as reproductions.
A signed certificate of authenticity documenting the title, medium, dimensions, series, and original status of the work is included with the purchase.
Additional Information
The restricted palette heightens the psychological tension within the composition. Dense black forms suggest a figure or face, while the open paper holds what has disappeared and allows the remaining form to breathe.
As part of Turbulence Behind Tranquility, the work creates space for experiences of mental illness, trauma, recovery, and resilience that may be difficult to express directly. Viewers are invited to bring their own understanding of vulnerability, loss, and endurance to the image.
Collector Price
$475 with shipping included
The price includes the original artwork, professional mat and frame, signed certificate of authenticity, protective packing, handling, insurance, and standard ground delivery within the contiguous United States.
Shipping and Local Pickup
The listed price includes standard insured delivery from St. Louis to one address within the contiguous United States. Expedited transportation or unusual delivery requirements may require an additional charge arranged with the collector before shipment.
Complimentary local pickup is available in the St. Louis area by prior arrangement. Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, and international destinations must be arranged and quoted separately.
Fine-Art Prints
Open-edition archival prints of The Tenderness of Ruin may be offered separately. Prints are reproductions and do not include the original artwork’s frame or certificate of authenticity.
Suggested Tags
The Tenderness of Ruin, Erin McGrath Rieke, original framed artwork, acrylic on archival paper, black and white abstract art, vulnerability artwork, depression artwork, emotional survival, trauma and healing, resilience artwork, abstract figure, psychological abstraction, Turbulence Behind Tranquility, contemporary expressionism, St. Louis artist, original collector artwork
SEO Title
The Tenderness of Ruin | Original Framed Abstract Art
SEO Description
Collect The Tenderness of Ruin, an original framed acrylic work by Erin McGrath Rieke exploring vulnerability, depression, survival, and healing.
