Arp Raph is a contemporary artist working between painting, installation and industrial design. Born to English parents, he spent his early years in Africa and later in Papua New Guinea before studying Art at Manchester University (1987–1993). Today he lives and works between Malaysia, Spain and New York.
Arp Raph’s work explores the relationship between perception, culture and the hidden structures that shape contemporary society. His practice often combines two- and three-dimensional forms, visual metaphors and deliberate imperfections that challenge the viewer’s expectations.
Through painting, installation and conceptual design, his work seeks to create unexpected visual situations that invite reflection and critical thinking. For the artist, the process of searching for answers often determines the materials used and the form each project ultimately takes.
Born to English parents
Manchester University (1987–1993)
Malaysia · Spain · New York
On the work
Excerpt from a critical text by M. Brietkopf (London).
The continual questioning that forms the basis of Arp Raph’s work, alongside his exploration of the underlying codes within the political and cultural arena, is the result of his participation in the experiences around him; he conjures up images that serve to engage his viewers in a form of critical thinking about – and close examination of the events he references and the anecdotes that arise from these. The socio-cultural aspect plays a particularly significant role. ‘I find that searching for answers dictates which materials are used and how’. His methods characteristically involve both 2 and 3 dimensional puzzles, visual metaphors and a focus on the conspicuous imperfections in the subjects he chooses. The assemblage of his installations makes for an interactive experience: ’It’s necessary to capture the viewers’ attention and one way to do that is to get them involved.’ By facilitating this involvement, his works offer the viewer the possibility of engaging in a discourse on what goes on around them.
His practice moves across painting, installation and industrial design, with a focus on perception, cultural codes and the role of the viewer.
PINKGUY Gallery, ‘Mirrors of the MInd’ Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia
PINKGUY Gallery, ‘Portrairs of an Unconcious Mind’ Singapore
ISUN gallery. ‘Meaning’. Colorado USA
PINKGUY Gallery, ‘Joyous’ Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia
PINKGUY Gallery, ‘W O r K. The Persistence of Memory’ Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia
SENTRALEM Gallery ‘Beyond Art’. Oslo. Norway
HIGH VALLEY. ‘Unitat Installation’. New York. USA
PINKGUY Gallery, ‘20% Endemism’ Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia
DUA2 Gallery ‘Garden of Light’ Vigo. Spain
OASIS Gallery. ‘Kaleidoscope of Light’ Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia PINKGUY Gallery,
‘The Malaysian Outsider’ Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia
POINT B. ‘Final Blast’ New York, USA
PINKGUY Gallery, ‘The Streets of KL’ Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia
SALOARTE, ‘Colour faces’ Granada. Spain
POINT B. ‘Transcendence ’New York, USA
The Arts Galley, ‘Trapped’ England, GB
SilverShed Gallery, New York, USA
NAO Gallery. Boston, USA
Galleria BORRÓN 4. Cambados. Spain
CHARLES PHILLIPS Gallery. Massachusetts, USA
MONSERRAT Gallery. New York, USA
POINT B. New York, USA
SYKIS Gallery. Salonica, Greece
ARMANDILLO Gallery. Stavanger, Norway
CASA DAS ARTES. ‘Detrás do ollo’. Vigo, Spain.
ARMANDILLO Gallery. Stavanger, Norway
SYKIS Gallery. Salonica, Greece.
CONNEXIONS. Brussels, Belgium
GALLERIE LONGCHAMPS. Brussels, Belgium.
CAFE ROYAL. London, EnglandCOIN EXCHANGE. Manchester, England
Alongside his artistic practice, Arp Raph has been involved in a range of interdisciplinary projects combining design, engineering and social innovation.
Mudley Explores Series 2017 – Kuala Lumpur, Singapore & London
Children’s travel book that gives particular insight into what may interest a young mind.
(Published by Marshall Cavendish)
Metamorfose – Uganda and Rwanda: 2012–2015
Design and implementation of improved wood and charcoal ovens that reduce smoke inhalation by 90% within villages and schools in both countries.
Point B Project – “International Artist Worklodge”, with Mark Parrish, NYC.
The Cube Sculpture Project – WTC2, New York
A cube placed on its pinnacle at the top of Tower 2. 4m × 4m × 4m, made in zinc and magnesium. The cube (compass) represented the five boroughs of New York and New Jersey. (Unfinished, October 2001)
XII Concurso de Arquitectura Nacional de España
Design and creation of ceramic statuettes for national prize-winning architects.
GardenSafe – Apparatus designed to stop animals, birds and slugs from ruining gardens and flower beds.
The Skyfinder – Invention of a three-dimensional orientation device designed to always portray the upward direction. Produced by Time, USA (Patent #10556).
Slidebone – A seat placed within a car to help provide relief and comfort for passengers or drivers with disabilities.
Wishbone – An ergonomically designed walking device that helps reduce strain for people with walking disabilities. (Patent #52065-NO).
The Giraffe – Apparatus designed to drill a perfect hole at 90° or 45°. Manufactured by WolfCraft, Germany. 33°. (Patent Pending).
