Bridget Riley, Damien Hirst, Gerhard Richter, Yoshitomo Nara, and Grayson Perry. Join Lougher Contemporary's Director, Huw Lougher, in unravelling the narratives and nuances that define the compelling works of these trending maestros. From Riley's mesmerising op art to Hirst's provocative conceptualism, Richter's masterful abstraction, Nara's evocative innocence, to Perry's socio-political tapestries—each artist offers a diverse and dynamic representation of contemporary art.
Damien Hirst
Damien Hirst, born on June 7, 1965, in Bristol, United Kingdom, is a British contemporary artist and one of the most prominent figures in the Young British Artists (YBA) movement. Renowned for his provocative and conceptual approach to art, Hirst gained international recognition in the 1990s. Graduating from Goldsmiths, University of London, he first garnered attention with his seminal work, "The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living," featuring a preserved shark in formaldehyde. Hirst's art often explores themes of life, death, and the fragility of existence. His diverse portfolio includes paintings, sculptures, installations, and the iconic series "The Spot Paintings." Recognized for his innovative use of materials and controversial subject matter, Hirst continues to be a leading force in the contemporary art world, challenging conventions and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
Huw's thoughts: Renowned for his bold exploration of life, death, and consumerism, Damien Hirst divides opinion in contemporary art. With new and seasoned collectors alike showing consistent interest in collecting his works, his market caters for all price points. Hirst is currently gearing up for an exhibition at the prestigious Château La Coste in the South of France.
We continue to see strong interest for his artworks – with significant access to his editions we are fortunate to offering excellent availability, with prices ranging from £1,450 to original spot paintings via our Private Sales team.
Grayson Perry
Grayson Perry, born on March 24, 1960, in Chelmsford, Essex, is a celebrated English contemporary artist renowned for his multifaceted practice that encompasses ceramics, tapestry, drawing, and printmaking. Perry's work often delves into themes of identity, gender, and societal norms. Graduating from Portsmouth Polytechnic in 1982, he gained early recognition for his intricate and socially charged ceramic works. Perry's alter ego, Claire, a cross-dressing persona, has become an integral aspect of his artistic exploration. Awarded the Turner Prize in 2003, Perry's art transcends boundaries, challenging preconceptions and offering a unique perspective on contemporary culture. His works, both poignant and satirical, continue to captivate audiences globally, making Grayson Perry a significant and influential figure in the contemporary art scene.
Huw's thoughts: Grayson Perry, a celebrated British artist, defies categorisation with his eclectic oeuvre spanning ceramics, tapestry, and performance art. Known for his flamboyant persona and incisive social commentary, Perry navigates themes of identity, gender, and class with wit and sensitivity.
Like Bridget Riley, Grayson Perry’s market has avoided major market swings and he rarely releases new editions and with growing demand and interest in collecting his work we are now seeing regular interest in his works, with works selling quickly.
Gerhard Richter
Gerhard Richter, born on February 9, 1932, in Dresden, Germany, is a revered contemporary artist recognized for his profound impact on the realms of painting and photography. Richter's artistic journey began at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts, and he later fled to West Germany, where he developed a diverse and innovative body of work. His oeuvre spans a wide range of styles, from photorealistic paintings to abstract compositions. Richter's nuanced exploration of memory, history, and the nature of representation has established him as a central figure in the post-war European art scene. Awarded prestigious honours like the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale in 2011, Richter's ability to seamlessly navigate between abstraction and realism continues to influence and shape the trajectory of contemporary art.
Huw's thoughts: Gerhard Richter showcases his unparalleled mastery in a new exhibition at David Zwirner Gallery – his first solo exhibition with the gallery in London. Renowned for his diverse practice spanning painting, photography, and sculpture, Richter captivates audiences with his exploration of memory, perception, and abstraction. Having visited his exhibition in London last week, keep an eye out for our editorial in the coming weeks.
Bridget Riley
Bridget Riley, born on April 24, 1931, in London, stands as a pioneering figure in the realm of Op Art. Renowned for her mesmerizing optical illusions, Riley's illustrious career spans over six decades. After studying at Goldsmiths College and the Royal College of Art, she began her artistic journey influenced by Pointillism and Impressionism. However, it was her groundbreaking black-and-white paintings in the 1960s that catapulted her to international acclaim. Riley's precise geometric patterns and meticulous exploration of colour relationships create a dynamic visual experience, challenging perceptions and engaging viewers in a captivating interplay of form and movement. A recipient of numerous awards, including the International Prize for Painting at the Venice Biennale in 1968, Bridget Riley continues to inspire and influence generations of artists with her innovative contributions to the world of contemporary art.
Huw's thoughts: Bridget Riley, a pioneer of Op art, is known for her geometric abstractions and optical illusions. Despite avoiding major market swings, her work consistently sees year-on-year price increases. Relative to peers, her prints are affordable and show promise for future price growth. Our prints typically find new homes quickly, and we're now bringing two new works to market. Additionally, our Private Sales team can provide access to unique gouaches on paper.
Yoshitomo Nara
Yoshitomo Nara, born on December 5, 1959, in Hirosaki, Japan, is a prominent contemporary artist celebrated for his distinctive blend of pop culture aesthetics, manga-inspired illustrations, and profound emotional depth. Nara's artistic journey began at the Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music, and he later honed his skills in Germany. Renowned for his iconic depictions of children and animals, often imbued with both innocence and defiance, Nara's work encapsulates a captivating duality. Exhibiting globally, Nara has left an indelible mark on the international art scene, with his thought-provoking sculptures, paintings, and drawings reflecting a unique fusion of Japanese and Western artistic traditions. Recognised for his influence on contemporary art, Yoshitomo Nara's evocative creations continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Huw's thoughts: A firm favourite here at Lougher, Yoshitomo Nara captures hearts with his distinctive blend of innocence and rebellion. Known for his iconic portraits of children and animals, Nara's work evokes a sense of nostalgia and whimsy while exploring themes of identity and belonging.
His editions now command high prices, driven by a lack of availability on the market. Take a look at our current availability now!