BRIAN RICE

Born in Yeovil, Somerset in 1936, Brian studied art firstly at Yeovil School of Art then on to Goldsmith's College, London 1958 - 1959 (A.C.T. London University 1959.

The work of Brian Rice can be split into two distinct periods, the 1960s - 70s, and from 1980s to present day.

During the 1960s he produced luminous, hard edged abstract paintings and prints, which achieved national and international publicity and acclaim, and quickly found their way into international collections. The roots of inspriration lay not in the 50s and 60s icons of the 'Pop' era but rather more in the De Stijl and European Constructivists of the 20s and 30s. However by the mid 1970s disillusioned by both his output and the general art world, he retreated to the West Country and concentrated on his farming and his teaching.

Enriched by his own inner belief in his craft and his confidence in his manner of printmaking, Rice returned to the art world in the 1980s. Rice is first and foremost a painter - 'a painter who makes prints'. His work now explores the primitive essence of shape and colour. "...a lifelong love of archaeology has combined with an artistically mature sense of the physical presence and spiritual mystery of prehistoric rock engravings.."
(source: Dr Michael Tucker professor of Poetics University of Brighton. Brian Rice Retrospective Exhibition 2001)
Brian Rice has had a successful and fulfilling career in teaching from 1959 to 2001 and was elected Chairman of the Printmakers Council of Great Britain 1974 - 1977.

WORK IN PUBLIC & CORPORATE COLLECTIONS GREAT BRITAIN
The Tate Gallery
Victoria & Albert Museum
University of Cardiff, Wales
University of Aberystwyth, Wales
Flintshire School of Art
Hertford College, Oxford
University of Bristol
Nothumberland Education Authority
Geffrye Museum. London
Sheffield Art Gallery
South London Art Gallery
The Government Art Collection
University of Brighton, Aldrich Collection
Croydon College of Art
Canadian Broadcasting Service, London
John Courage Collection
The British Council
Berkshire Education Authority
Herts Education Authority
Worcester Museum
Dudley Museum
Greenwich Library
Plymouth City Art Gallery

Paintings