Richard Adams, a contemporary New Zealand abstract artist, first exhibited his works in 1982 at the Molesworth Gallery in Wellington. Since then, the Auckland based artist has become nationally and internationally renowned for his work, exhibiting in Tokyo, Sydney, New York, London and currently at gallery thirty three in Wanaka, The Arthouse in Christchurch and the McPherson Gallery in Auckland.
A man of many talents, Adams is not only an established artist, but also displays a passionate flair for the Jazz Violin as frontman for the Nairobi Trio. He published his first book of poems and etchings called ‘Translations’ in 1979 and in the same year co-scripted, produced and directed the New Zealand film ‘Artman.’
Adams abstract, minimalistic plains of vertical and horizontal motif panels, curves and lines are inspired by nature, colours, textures, shapes and surfaces. Drawing from the landscape Adams uses canvas and paper as frames for the exploration of coloured oil panels, ovals and line etchings cemented by an obvious structural base, balanced by optical restraint and painterly freedom.
Adams believes he will never run out of things to paint “the well is endless” so to speak. The guide rather than the master of the brush, Adam’s works are both literary and artistic. They are images resultant of thought processes, simplified and emotional that grow as he works – Hamish Coney, in a recent interview with the artist said “unlocking the meaning of Richard’s work is a joint venture between the artist and viewer, both of whom bring a history to the moment of viewing.”
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