Richard Creed

Living in a shell

University of Liverpool Art Gallery, Abercromby Square

8 October - 17 December 2004

In 'Living in a Sea Shell' Richard Creed presents a rigorously developed body of work which explores both pastoral and industrial landscapes. The work is presented at the University gallery as part of the Independent strand of the Liverpool Biennial of Contemporary Art 2004.

In the series Creed explores a variety of emotions through paintings that, perhaps unusually for abstract art, are genuinely beautiful in their nuances of colour and form. 'One Day's Poem' and 'Fall' are bold statements, with a bravura handling of colour underpinned by powerful compositional structure. In works such as the brooding red 'Solaris I', and both the dreamier 'Solaris II' and 'Mirroir' the emphasis shifts to the ethereal and mysterious, whilst 'Fulcrum' and 'Shadow' give a sometimes disturbing glimpse of darker emotions. The works are augmented with music made by the artist, the link between music and abstraction being well documented: both media make their appeal on a spiritual level.

Creed's working method involves the development towards this abstract composition through preparatory sketches, often in watercolour. This affords the viewer an insight into the artist's starting point for the work, and demonstrates that whilst the image is abstract, the process is both world and experience based. Preparatory sketch work will form an essential part of the University exhibition. Creed has also made a number of works based on the view of Abercromby Square afforded from the Art Gallery. The audience will thus be able to see both the actual view and the artist's interpretation.

Richard Creed studied at Central St Martins at the London Institute, and Manchester Metropolital University. He teaches drawing at the Liverpool School of Art and Design, John Moores University and works as a practicing artist.