Richard Stone is a young painter and sculptor who has drawn inspiration from schools as diverse as late Impressionism and classical Greek sculpture to create an exhibition of landscapes and figurative sculpture, depicting a sense of romantic heroism.
His landscape paintings range from jagged black peaks that seem imposing in the distance to a hazy scene where details can just about be seen through the mist and fog — almost like a gloomier Turner. Though these paintings are technically proficient, the sheer number of landscape painters working today means it's a field that's hard to stand out in.
Where Stone has the edge, and arguably his more impressive works, is in his sculptures. A bronze man strides purposefully forward against the wind as his clothing is blown back and the man and cloth become one undifferentiated yet determined mass. Another bronze features a man at rest yet his upper body suggests a strength and power, while two small boxers eye each other up across a plinth before they engage in a duel.
The works feel like a modern interpretation of classical Greek and Roman statues, which often depicted their gods or heroes either fighting or in a pose that showed strength and honour. Stone's other sculptures depict a veiled woman and a flag that seems to have been caught rippling in the breeze and then instantly metamorphosed into marble.
It's refreshing to see a contemporary artist working in marble as many young artists have abandoned it due to the difficulty of the medium.
Kristin Hjellegjerde gallery in Wandsworth is making a name for itself for showcasing impressive young artists and Stone is no exception, particularly when it comes to his sculptures.
Richard Stone: Gleam is on at Kristin Hjellegjerde, 533 Old York Road, SW18 1TG until 12 October. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 6pm. Entrance is free.
