Richie Culver: Artists Inside The Industry

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I’m finding it harder than normal to summarise Richie Culver’s work in a couple of short introductory paragraphs. Written analyses of Cuvler’s work speak about his intentional parodying of the lifespan of artworks in the digital age, his portfolio called a “Freudian funhouse” by Kenny Schachter. It’s difficult to say anything profound about Culver’s work without doing in-depth theoretical research, or writing an extended essay. I flat out refuse to do this.

Perhaps most famous for his “Did U Cum Yet?” canvas, the artist’s work feels like a middle finger to the staid opinions of traditional art collections.

Richie Culver: Artists Inside The Industry
Did U Cum Yet? – Richie Culver

Culver wants a reaction, and that’s what he gets. You can tell the artists’ middle fingers are executed with planning and nous. Culver cares about his name and work being out in the media: you can find screenshots of various reviews of his work on his Instagram.  

Richie Culver: Artists Inside The Industry
Richie Culver at L21 Gallery residency Palma – Jan 2020

I’m into the chaotic energy Culver brings to the art world. I like his bike racks abandoned in the gallery space. I like his blown-up iPhone notes. I like his notice that alerts viewers to “missing foreskin”.

Matisse said in 1908 in his publication Notes of a Painter:

As a matter of fact, I am fully aware that a painter’s best spokesman is his work … Personally, I shall simply try to state my feelings and aspirations as a painter without worrying about the writing.

Matisse

Ever the brief interviewee, Culver hasn’t worried about the writing here. His work really does speak for itself. Middle finger = achieved.

Q: First things first, why do you do what you do?

Richie Culver: It just ended up this way. 

Q:  What is your inspiration?

Richie Culver: Failure 

Richie Culver: Artists Inside The Industry
In The Eyes Of A Stepdad – Richie Culver
Q: What is your creative process when you’re creating?

Richie Culver: Coffee . Work fast. Don’t try too hard. Be lazy. 

Q: Which is your preferred surface for working on?

Richie Culver: Anything I’m kinda versatile like that. 

Richie Culver: Artists Inside The Industry
Pirate DVDS, Top of the range – Richie Culver
Q: What would you say is an integral part to the work of an Artist?

Richie Culver: Ideas

Richie Culver: Artists Inside The Industry
Only God Can Judge This – Richie Culver
Q: What is the reason behind your use of sex, drugs and vulnerability?

Richie Culver: Someone else wrote that about me. 

Q: How do you know when a piece is finished?

Richie Culver: Cos I have photographed it usually. 

Richie Culver: Artists Inside The Industry
God is My Curator – Richie Culver
Q: What is your favourite piece from your collection?

Richie Culver: David Hominal 

Q:  How did you feel when you did your first solo exhibition?

Richie Culver: Very nervous

Richie Culver: Artists Inside The Industry
Better Off Alone – Richie Culver
Q: What is the most rewarding thing for you about being a part of the Art Industry?

Richie Culver: Getting to travel around and meet new people. 

Q: Is there anything that worries you about how social media is affecting the promotion of artists?

Richie Culver:  The occasional people that clearly have issues that message me. 

Richie Culver: Artists Inside The Industry
Death is Abandonment – Richie Culver – Annka Kultys Gallery
Q:  In your opinion, do you have any advice for artists on how to manage their social media image? Or does it even need managing?

Richie Culver: Use it as a sketch pad. Instagram has changed everything for the time being, enjoy it and use it while it’s still here and relevant. 

Q: Do you have any advice for artists starting and don’t know where to begin?

Richie Culver: Don’t try too hard. If your lazy make lazy art. If your energetic make hectic stuff. 

Q: What would you say is the best way of getting your art noticed in the age of the internet?

Richie Culver: Instagram 

Richie Culver: Artists Inside The Industry
Speed Garage Cement – Richie Culver
Q: Are there any places where you feel Art and Technology really shouldn’t overlap?

Richie Culver: No everything can just do it’s thing and see what happens. 

https://www.instagram.com/RichieCulver/

This was Richie Culver for Artists Inside The Industry; to keep up to date with Culver, head over to his website link below.

©2020 Richie Culver and Annka Kultys Gallery

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