Focus
Richard Hassell is a founding director of award-winning WOHA Architects but has continuously maintained a parallel - and related - art practice. Whereas WOHA operates in the built environment, this art research focuses on pattern, ornament and decoration. The two bodies of work share a focus on complex systems, recursive procedures, and emergent behaviours. The art explores the representational, artistic and decorative possibilities of these fields. The geometries of interest are fractal, self-similar, and complex tilings, which have emergent qualities in common with natural or urban systems.The tessellation artworks draw on the legacy of M.C. Escher, and extend it into recent mathematics which was mostly discovered after his death in 1975. They also include many visual and wordplay references to the history of art, science and mathematics. The artwork research feeds back into some elements in the WOHA projects, via installations, claddings, facades and screens. There is more on the different types of work here and a limited edition book on Richardโs art here.
Artworks
The works include limited edition prints, unique multiples, textiles and rugs, 3-dimensional, community art and architectural installations and facades.
Richard Hassellโs art has been exhibited in institutional and private venues in the USA, Europe, and Asia, and is in private collections in Europe, Asia, USA and Australasia.
Richard Hassell posts a visual diary on Instagram
sharing thoughts on his artwork development, urban biodiversity, current reading, and various inspirations.
