Richard H. Alpert

Lives and works in Penngrove, CA, USA

Artist statement

My art is grounded in a playful curiosity that reflects my deep regard for empirical investigation. I frequently use scientific concepts and methodology to organize visual material. This approach allows for aleatory events such as those often seen in the oeuvre of Marcel Duchamp and John Cage. Therefore, chance and random occurrences inform important details of my work. The 6th-century philosopher Anacharsis had it right when he said, “Play so that you may be serious.” Drawing upon minimalist and formalist inclinations, my work reveals itself in a wide variety of formats: performance, video, installation, painting, drawing, photography as well as object sculpture. I make extensive use of gradations of color and form, repeated patterns, geometric structure, and modulated sound.

Artwork