Richard Best
Artist Biography
Sweet Series; 2020-22
Early work; developing my voice
Finding the space to understand and heal from years of poor mental health, this work depicts the journey that I have undertaken to create a map of my psyche whilst developing the tools for communicating with a world in which I exist at the borderlines. These revealing compositions explore my enigmatic and often challenging mind, and in this way I consider each one a self portrait.
Unity Series; started Jan 2023
The Space Between the Shadows
Resolving the style developed in the Sweet Series, these paintings come together intuitively. Internally influenced by the refinement of my identity and sense of self, and externally by my continued studies into universal consciousness and unity.
Visually the work is composed from city sights, cosmic movements, and a curiosity into the depth of light; guided by my own sense of aesthetic discernment.
The Sublime; started Aug 2023
Immersive Exhibition Project; finding the Everyday Sublime, everyday
Current explorations develop in situ; on the beach, in the forests of Culloden, surrounded by candlelight, or in the memory of a moment. In recording the emotional and physical state of the present, we may attempt to create a feeling for others to enjoy; to share the peace, love, joy, and certainty that resides within me.
Exhibition interview
The Space Between the Shadows
August 2023; Priory Meadow Hastings
in collaboration with Hastings Art School and Hypha Studios
Video production by reel connection films
Projects and Shows
- 2014-2015 Published essays, exhibition text and interviews for blackShed Gallery
- 2015 IFICOULDSAYITINWORDS; blog containing exhibition reviews, critiques and artistic thought development
- 2019 SEXYBREAD; Collaborative mixed discipline project exploring the creative process, as documentarian
- 2019 IFICOULDSAYITINWORDS 2.0; blog about the creative process
- 2023 June End of term show with Hastings Art School
- 2023 August The Space Between the Shadows; HAS x Hypha Studios, solo exhibition with open studio and Artist Talk
- 2023 September Bottle Alley Art Market exhibitor
- 2023 November Wombs, Witches, Hallows & Hollows; HAS x Hypha Studios, group show
- 2023 December The Old is Dying; Electro Studios Project Space, group show with panel talk
- 2023 December Apotheosis; ESPS Landing, solo immersive exhibition
- 2024 Mandala Workshop project begins
for all enquiries
Collections
Sweet Series - Giclée Prints
Early work; developing my voice Finding the space to understand and heal...
Unity Series - Original Artwork
The Space Between the Shadows Resolving the style developed in the Sweet...
The Sublime
The Sublime Current explorations develop in situ; on the beach, in the...