#03 Painting

Born to English parents. Lived in Nigeria, Kenya and Papua New Guinea for first 12 years. Statement: The continual questioning that forms the basis of Arp Raph’s work, alongside his exploration of the underlying codes within the political and cultural arena, is the result of his participation in the experiences around him; he conjures up images that serve to engage his viewers in a form of critical thinking about - and close examination of - the events he references and the anecdotes that arise from these. The socio-cultural aspect plays a particularly significant role. 'I find that searching for answers dictates which materials are used and how'. His methods characteristically involve both 2 and 3 dimensional puzzles, visual metaphors and a focus on the conspicuous imperfections in the subjects he chooses. The assemblage of his installations makes for an interactive experience: ’It’s necessary to capture the viewers’ attention and one way to do that is to get them involved.’ By facilitating this involvement, his works offer the viewer the possibility of engaging in a discourse on what goes on around them.