Richard Deacon

Richard Deacon, a renowned British abstract sculptor, is recognized for his unique approach to sculpture. His work, characterized by abstract forms, often contains subtle allusions to anatomical functions.

Deacon's art frequently employs everyday materials, and he affectionately refers to himself as a 'fabricator,' emphasizing the significance of the construction process in creating his finished pieces.

Biography of Richard Deacon

Richard Deacon was born in Bangor, Wales, United Kingdom, and his artistic journey began with formal education. He studied at Somerset College of Art in Taunton from 1968 to 1969, followed by enrollment at St. Martin's School of Art in London from 1969 to 1972 and later at the Royal College of Art in London from 1974 to 1977. In 1978, he pursued part-time studies at the Chelsea School of Art in London.

Deacon's passion for sculpture extended to teaching, as he served as a visiting lecturer in sculpture at various art schools from 1977 to 1992. His teaching stints included the Central School of Art & Design, London; the Chelsea School of Art, London; Sheffield City Polytechnic; the Bath Academy of Art; and the Winchester School of Art.

His influence also reached international institutions, with roles as a visiting lecturer at Ateliers 63 in Haarlem and Rijksakademie in Amsterdam (1989-1999), Guest Professor at Hochschule für Angewandte Kunst in Vienna (1995-1996), and Guest lecturer at the MA Programme of Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem in 1998.

Deacon's dedication to art education continued with his professorship at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris from 1999 to 2009 and subsequently as a Professor at the Kunstakademie in Düsseldorf from 2009 to 2015.

Awards and Recognition

Richard Deacon's contributions to the world of art have not gone unnoticed. In 1999, he was honored as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). In 2007, he represented Wales at the Venice Biennale, and in January 2008, he was one of five artists shortlisted for the Angel of the South project. In 2017, Deacon was awarded the "Ernst Franz Vogelmann-Preis für Skulptur" in Heilbronn. Additionally, he received the title of Honorary Fellow of Arts University Plymouth (formerly Plymouth College of Art) in the same year.

Richard Deacon's Art Style

Deacon's art spans various mediums, including laminated wood, stainless steel, corrugated iron, polycarbonate, marble, clay, foam, leather, and paper. His sculptures explore the dynamic relationships between surface and space, interior and exterior, mass and lightness, motion, and calm. Additionally, his work often features playful references to the human body and the intricacies of everyday life.

Deacon's solo exhibitions have been hosted at prominent institutions, including Kunstmuseum Winterthur in Switzerland (2015), Tate Britain in London, United Kingdom (2014), and Musée de la Ville de Strasbourg in France (2010).

Richard Deacon: House & Garden at Marian Goodman Gallery New York

Deacon's exhibition, "House & Garden," showcases his evolving perspective on sculpture. It delves into the interplay between imagery and surface, the craft of object-making, and the relationship between sculpture and its plinth. These concepts have consistently been central to his work and reflect his enduring interest in various production methods.

"House & Garden" explores Deacon's connection to the landscape through sculpture and photography. Over the past two decades, Deacon has delved into ceramic art, allowing for the exploration of materials and investigating the interplay of color, surface, and form. The rich glazing of his ceramic works introduces improvisation and chance compositions in the final outcomes. His fascination with materials, particularly the transformation of colors during firing and the unpredictable interactions of chosen colors, underlines a delicate balance between control and serendipity.

Deacon's photographic practice intertwines with his exploration of the exterior and the experience of the landscape. Whether on extensive countryside walks or from the vantage point of an interior space, his photographs offer insight into his sculptural process. The photographs within "House & Garden" open up new possibilities and ways of thinking, shedding light on Deacon's keen observations and experiences that inform his artistic perception.