Kenneth Draper: On the Edge of Sculpture

Kenneth Draper is an innovative artist who has worked with sculpture, painting, and drawing for over six decades. He is known for his abstract art that reflects the spirit of places he has lived, worked, or traveled. Draper was the youngest artist to exhibit in British Sculptors 72 at the Royal Academy and has held his first solo exhibition at the Redfern Gallery. His recent works on paper range from enigmatic interior-focused studies in pencil to dazzling color pieces that blur the boundaries between the drawn and the constructed.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Sansom & Co

Kenneth Draper, a visionary artist born in 1944, stands as one of the most groundbreaking figures of his generation. For over six decades, he has seamlessly blended sculpture, painting, and drawing, creating a diverse and captivating body of work. Draper proudly identifies himself as an "abstract artist working from the landscape," capturing the essence of the places he has lived, worked, and explored. From the bustling urban landscapes of London to the serene beauty of India, the United States, northern England, France, Egypt, and Menorca, Draper's artistic journey has taken him across the globe.

Born in Derbyshire, Draper's artistic journey began at the prestigious Royal College of Art, where he quickly established himself as a prominent figure in the London art scene. At a young age, he achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the youngest artist to exhibit in British Sculptors 72 at the Royal Academy. Three years prior, he had already held his first solo exhibition at the esteemed Redfern Gallery, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication.

Throughout his artistic career, color has played a central role in Draper's sculptures. Inspired by his visit to India, he delved into large pastel drawings, where vibrant hues danced across the canvas. In his three-dimensional works, he explored the interplay of gravity, illusion, and structural ambiguity, pushing the boundaries of what sculpture can achieve.

Draper's recent works on paper continue to push the boundaries of his artistic expression. From enigmatic interior-focused studies in pencil to dazzling color pieces that blur the lines between the drawn and the constructed, his oeuvre demonstrates a fearless exploration of landscape and the forces of nature.

Kenneth Draper: On the Edge of Sculpture is the first comprehensive monograph dedicated to the extraordinary life and work of this visionary artist. Through a series of stunning images and insightful essays, the book explores Draper's artistic journey, highlighting his profound connection with the natural world and his ability to capture its essence in his art.

In conclusion, Kenneth Draper is a true artist of our time, whose legacy is a testament to his unwavering commitment to creativity and his fearlessly exhilarating exploration of landscape and the forces of nature. His art continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, reminding us of the power of art to transcend boundaries and connect us to the world around us.

Dimension: 275 x 235 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915670038