Progressing techniques of contemporary painting, Rick creates two distinct bodies of work. His densely-packed oil paintings of crowds revere the anonymous moments of social celebration. His compositions translate larger-than-life scenes using a limited color palette and cell-shaded forms. People, architecture, and confetti are rendered precisely while Rick’s use of a wavering hard-edge approach adds subtle complexity to the details.

His sanded paintings are abstract works that praise perfection in imperfection. These compositions document the physical labor involved in their creation. Once finished and polished, they accentuate the richness of the paint and his mark. These paintings are conceptually situated in Rick’s working-class upbringing, integrating these motifs alongside the aspirations and ornateness of visibility. When buffed to a shine, the viewer is presented with an opportunity of reflection.

Originally from St. Louis, MO, Rick Spring lives and works in Downtown Los Angeles, CA. In 2021, he was awarded grant funding from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts in partnership with The Luminary. When he’s not painting, you can find him collaborating with rappers, fashion designers, and car enthusiasts.