Richard Freestone’s gritty surreal themes coupled with pop overtones have become a stylistic attribute instantly associated with his name since he began exhibiting professionally during his graduating year at Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design, in 2006. Influenced by pop surrealism and cartoon realism, Freestone’s work has matured into a signature aesthetic, where he creates visual commentaries of consumerism, globalization and popular culture, all executed with extraordinary detail and high quality finish. Repeating themes produce a conversational dynamic, such as the Pink Elephant, representing mystery and a tortured grace; the Skeleton Boy, a subconscious reference to a darkness in identity; and the Swallow, borrowed from tattoo culture, symbolizes a perceived freedom, yet ironically is forever bound to the canvas or body it adorns.
Over 40 original works have been sold to both public and private collectors and investors, including the Wallace Arts Trust, resulting in Freestone’s being named one of the 100 most collectable young artists by renowned art critic Warwick Brown in his recent book Seen This Century – A Collectors Guide.
