Of Flesh & Spirit, 220x173cm, Oil on Canvas (2026)
Gods of a Primordial Kind, 180x157cm, Oil on Canvas (2026)
Ouroboros is the Worm that Lives Inside of Me, 200x135cm, Oil on Canvas (2026)
Auctioneers, 25x20cm, Oil on Panel (2026)
The Gods of Old are to be Studied (in fat), 25x20cm, Lard on Panel (2026)
Searching for meaning and flirting with symbols, Richard Lapthorn is investigating Mankind’s deep connection to stories, belief systems, and the concept of the Divine. His work positions itself as an exploration into our relationship with the Otherworldly. Unsure of what is "real", both Human and God interact: each perpetuating the other indefinitely.
The themes present in his work are underpinned by a diverse range of sources, from academia, to historical fiction, He weaves these motifs together to form an expanded map of overlaps, interplays, and disparities.
Richard uses Oil painting as a framework for further developing these inquiries. Leaning on the rich historicity of painting, he considers the painted image a potential portal, whilst still observing that, ultimately, it is just a constructed image.
Richard is currently based in London whilst studying an MA in Fine Art at City & Guilds of London Art School.
Education:
2025 - Ongoing - City & Guilds of London Art School - MA Fine Art
2019 - British Council Fellow at the Venice Biennale
2018 - Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design - Erasmus+ scheme. In the class of Prof. Susanne Windelen
2016 - 2019 - University of Derby BA (hons) Fine Art
Exhibitions:
2026 - A Moment in Time - City & Guilds of London Art School
2025 - Yorkshire Artists Winter Show - Saltaire Gallery
2024 - Ancient Landscapes - Surface Gallery Sheffield
2020 - Interesting Times in Venice - London Metropolitan University
2019 - W.I.P. - University of Derby
2018 - Annual Rundgang - Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design