Rik Ward
Rik happened upon an innovative way to combine several images, creating what he now calls ‘photo-fusions’, to distinguish them from conventional photo-composites.
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Rik Ward is a British artist who undertook an art degree in 1981 at Middlesex Polytechnic. As an illustrator, he went on to work in advertising, publishing and television. Rik also produced mixed media art and operated as a commissionable artist, while also teaching undergraduates.
Between the years of 1996-99, illness forced Rik to stop work and doing anything creative. He eventually took up art again as a form of therapy, and from 2011 began teaching this format (along with computing) to mature students.
While holidaying in Italy in 2014, Rik used a new camera. As with his art, he had a somewhat maverick approach towards learning photography. Consequently, he happened upon an innovative way to combine several images, creating what he now calls ‘photo-fusions’, to distinguish them from conventional photo-composites.
Rik exhibited his new works in some SE London galleries in 2016, and shortly after joined The Camera Club - the UK’s oldest, in Kennington. Members’ first sight of his work caused quite a stir: in September 2018 sixteen large-scale works were greeted with acclaim and intrigue at his first solo show. Each work was a colourful blend of multiple images combining views of various European cities with more mundane images and textures.
Rik’s earliest photo-fusions were an exciting development, but it took two years of further experimentation to reach his current standards. He is passionate about seeing his work develop further – in terms of subject and technique - as his photographic explorations continue at home and abroad.
Despite a flurry of requests, Rik is not ready to reveal his exact technique. It’s a discovery that anyone could make; he believes that his experimental approach to painting enabled him to explore the potential of optimising software in ways not typical in conventional photography. He actively encourages fellow photographers to ”think outside the box”! -
Imprint Exhibition - September 17th - October 18th, 2021
Imprint is an exhibition that presents a lively conversation of original print from a selection of artists who approach techniques uniquely through their work.
Rik Ward delivers an exciting and beautiful new collection of photo-fusions. This body of work harnesses the beauty and imagination of the urban landscape, while offering a dreamlike quality that much reflected the emotions of the past two years.
The collection is made up from several themed series, set to the backdrop of London, Florence and Madrid, and layered with structure, light and passing forms that capture Rik’s instantly recognisable style. Printed on high density art board with a lustre finish, these works are offered up as originals and set in light-weight, adjustable frames.
Works
For artworks and all other enquiries, please use the enquiry form below.
A selection of limited edition giclée prints by Rik Ward is available for purchase online — click on the image to view more details.
Enquire
To see this artist's full collection catalogue, and for all other enquiries
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