FAMAG 2008.26.23


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Deacon, Richard CBE RA (born 1949): 9 x 9, 2005, printer: Stoneman, Hugh (1947-2005), publisher: Tate St Ives, woodcut, 53.5 x 52.5 cms. The Art Fund Hugh Stoneman Archive. © Richard Deacon and Tate St Ives.


About the Artist

Born in Bangor, Wales, Deacon studied at Somerset School of Art, St Martin?s College of Art, the Royal College of Art and part time at Chelsea School of Art. In 1980 he began making metal and laminated wood sculptures in simple organic shapes, their surface congruent with their shape. He used unformed basic materials to make sculptures that explore ideas that define human experience through language and the senses. In 1980 Deacon began making metal and laminated wood sculptures in simple organic shapes, their surfaces congruent with their shape. He used unformed basic materials to make sculptures that explore ideas that define human experience through language and the senses. Between 1977-92, Deacon was a visiting lecturer in sculpture at various British art schools including Central School of Art and Design, Sheffield City Polytechnic, Bath Academy of Art and Winchester School of Art. He also lectured internationally at schools in Holland, Austria and Israel. His first solo show was in 1978 at The Gallery in Brixton, which led to a string of others both nationally and internationally. Deacon won the Turner Prize in 1987, elected a Royal Academician in 1998 and made a CBE in 1999. He lives and works in London.