Shaun Richards: Concession Stand, Opens Tonight at Flanders

June, 03, 2011

There aren't many serious young artists in this area. There are folks that treat it like a hobby and occaisonally produce. Then there are a few that make art every day seeing it at their purpose. A tiny subset of that group do it as their only occupation. Shaun Richards falls into that later category- one of a very few producing work and surviving on the income generated by his work.

We have long followed Richards' path from early in his Raleigh tenure with work focusing on women, southern landscapes and a more fundamental collage technique. But these days growth, evolution and self acceptance has kicked in. On the surface this show is about advertising and PR, weather from big brands or big government - but ultimately it is a reflection of Richards life right now.

There is commentary on work, on impact, on material possession, the war, sex- but like any artist the statment is a reflection of Richards position, or discomfort with those ideas. In previous shows we saw Richards wrapped in the economy, toying with his relationships, predomeninantly those with women. This time those themes creep in, but this show is about Richard's relationship with product, with money, with brand.

It also represents the first time we have seen self portraiture from Richards. The piece has Richards confident in a dismissive pose at full scale. Surrounded by the logos of brands he patrons and a large label Sellout across his chest.

Concession Stand opens tonight at Flanders Gallery and will be on display until July 16th.