THE MANDARIN  #76.97 30" X 44" ACRYLIC ON PAPER		NANCY  #65.97  22" X 30"  ACRYLIC ON PAPER

The inner world is the subject of Richard Duning's work.  That which cannot be put into words, that which cannot be seen or heard or touched.  In his drawings, paintings and mixed media pieces, Richard hints at the richness of the inner reality with images of great emotional, visual and tactile intensity.

If there is one thing that characterizes Richard's work in general, it's the way so much of it seems to glow from within.  The paintings, which can be on paper or canvas, use many layers of paint, along with carefully juxtaposed colors on the surface, to create this glow.  The hard crayon drawings, on paper, are full of rich deep colors, carefully shaded.  Sometimes it looks like fire, sometimes heat or warmth or even cold brilliance.  But it always gives the impression that the light is coming from within the image.

No matter how one interprets this glow; as the soul of his figures, their inner light, the aura or halo about them, the light of life, one always feels the uplift from viewing them.  The work inspires, as a vision of the inner glowing spirit within us all.

The figure drawings straddle the line between visual representation and inner meaning.  There are recognizable breasts and nipples, small heads, huge soaring thighs, seductive backbones.  Yet, although there is the physical image, each also expresses its own symbolism: the nurturing quality of breasts, the relative unimportance of rationality in the world Richard seeks to explore, the grace of the thigh and leg, the ultimate femininity of the downward pointing triangle.

In addition to paintings and drawings, Richard's recent work includes mixed media figures which he calls fetishes.  In these small, substantial statues, Richard evokes a sense of ritual.  The nubbly dark surface is skin-like and also rock-like.  The eyes are sudden and bright.  One figure has a ladder climbing out of its shoulders; another has mysterious grimy bundles hanging from the neck; one has two heads, the bodies wrapped tightly, indistinguishably together.  We guess that there are secrets bundled within.  Their bulk both hides and hints at the grace at the center.

As a boy, Richard lived with his family in Burma, Bangladesh, India, Uganda, and Turkey, as well as spending extended time in Europe.  His artistic career began with photography and jewelry-making, in college.  After creating and exhibiting widely in photography, he became interested in painting.  A 6-month trip to Japan in 1981-2 confirmed his interest in Japanese abstract calligraphy, and as the years went on, he also developed his use of color and texture.  A recent trip to India confirmed his deepening spiritual direction.  Additional interests include the art of ancient and traditional cultures, Western art, particularly abstract expressionism, archetypal imagery, ritual and spiritual growth.

All these currents come together in the work of the last few years.  Simple, archetypal symbols are suffused with tremendous energy and emotion, intense visions of inner human experience.  A figure wanders between black walls, or searches through a maze.  The psyche is divided into its polarities of male/female, dark/light.  Often a very abstract upwelling of energy seeks its alchemical outlet.  Masks cover and reveal simultaneously.  Vessels hold fiery transformations in their centers; circles and squares dance, edging toward some eventual unity; opposites swirl, fighting and merging.

    All are suffused in light, energy and vivid color.
 
 

Contact Info:
Richard Duning
fax & voice - 707-839-2500
email Richard Duning