Richard Harper
France
Since the early 1980’s my work has been focused on exploring the limits of realist painting. Attempting to hone representation down to its essentials I chose to restrict myself to the figure. Since then the human form has been central to my work and stands as not only a representation of the human being itself but of humanity and the experience of being.
My works involve multi-layering of several very thin translucent coats of paint. On the figures it takes on the mechanics of constructing each layer of the skin itself and requires several months of painting. From conception to completion a painting may encompass several years of gestation.
My goal is to create a work where the narrative aspects of traditional realist painting is minimalised. I see my paintings more related to icons in the Christian Orthodox sense of the word. They are not as much to be looked at, as to be looked through.
I studied painting at the Los Angeles Art Center College of Design and in 1986 after working several years in California I moved to Paris, France. I now live and work in Normandy.
* This statement has been provided directly by the artist in association to their 16th International ARC Salon entries. This content has not been edited for typos or grammatical errors and has not been vetted for accuracy.
