RICHIE CULVER – THE FOUR LETTER WORD
2013-09-02Prominent motifs and characters that examine existential themes such as life and death take center stage in this show, and Culver explains: “It seems the devil is willing to travel – the devil and the deep blue sea is a comment on the space in life that feels infinite, whether it refers to love, life or death. When a fisherman is out on his own, with only the sea for company, it is his life support and could also send him over the edge into the water and into the depths below. The devil is always in disguise, he has no real shape, he’s always around us all the time, sometimes there’s a price to pay.” Culver’s passionate and energetic work is often the result of very immediate and emotional responses to his life experiences. His work is first and foremost very emotional and explores recurring themes that are fundamental to our existence, such as life, death, humor, love, loss, addiction, sex and pain.
Exploring and developing this technique, experimenting with exposure and movement, Culver has created images for this exhibition that are almost animated. The mediums of drawing and photography in this sense have many similarities, be it capturing moments and compositions on camera, or as drawings on paper, all his images possess a sense of immediacy and intimacy that is captivating. The photographs in this series stem from a decidedly kinetic way of working, without a defined beginning or end, almost painting with light until he find the composition and story that he has been searching for.
The title of the exhibition “The Four Letter Word” – as with much of Culver’s work that involve text, is open to interpretation. The viewer is invited to make their own interpretation and draw their own conclusions. Culver explains: “There are many four letter words, some foul some beautiful. I’ve tried to look at some of the many different meanings in the pieces in the show. Love has always played a strong role in many of my works, as well as the darker aspects of life found around us.”
Exhibition runs from September 5th through to September 30th, 2013
Skur 2 Gallery
Skansekaien
4006 Stavanger
Norway
