The works of Rick Begneaud are born of place and experience. The impetus for his exotic, collaged inventions begins in the heart of Cajun country where he was raised, and then later on, in his travels as the nephew / studio assistant / sidekick to the legendary Robert Rauschenberg. Frayed and bold fabrics seem perfectly right next to familiar photographs and other ephemera, but most indicative of his “paintings” are the reverberating color and the sense of formal composition turned on its head, leaps of faith that give the works a fresh and exciting touch.
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Artist Statement
Gallery Owner, Don LeBlanc, states, “Rick’s got a very contemporary approach to image making. He uses found materials--patterns, fabrics, printed materials, appropriated photographs, diagrams. Ready-mades. He creates his own world on the surface of the work rather than painting a picture of the world.”
Begneaud works out of his studio in Sausalito, California, the quaint Bay Area enclave that has long been a creative hub for artists of all kinds.
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Artist Statement
Still an avid traveler, Begneaud seeks out gorgeous fabrics, walls, trees, heat, beautiful people, amazing landscapes, and language in West and North Africa closing a curious circle to his fantastic beginnings.
“Rick Begneaud has an eye that cannot be ignored. I am proud to witness his talents. The sense of color and composition are proof of unique experiences and exposures. He obviously possesses some of the old man’s genes.” (quote by Robert Rauschenberg) [back]
Artist Statement
Artist Statement
The idea for using scraps of fabric in my work was inspired from my trips to West Africa, walking through villages and seeing beautiful strips of clothe just laying on the ground all over the place. Fabrics, color, light and texture excite me. I like using found materials, things that have a life and a history before coming to me. I grew up in South Louisiana as a Cajun, moved to California in the mid 80's, spent two years in NYC and one in Colorado. I've been making art for 30 years now. [back]
