British sculptor born in Bangor, Wales. From 1970-73 he studied at St Martin's School of Art, London and 1974-77 Experimental post-graduate course at the Royal College of Art. Working both on a domestic and monumental scale, Richard Deacon combines the essence of human form with elements of engineering in his precisely made structures of wood, metal and occasionally, plastics. Public commissions in many countries have given Richard Deacon opportunities to work on an immense scale. “Moor 1990” at Victoria Park in Plymouth sits high next to a bridge, and is 247 metres long. He also makes works for a particular occasion, for example, objects which are used in contemporary dance performances. Deacon's use of performance in his work has undergone change throughout his career. He actively participated in his earlier works but eventually found his physical presence became unnecessary. Richard Deacon has exhibited widely throughout the world with solo and group exhibitions, namely, 1985 Donald Young Gallery, Chicago (with Tony Cragg) Transformations in Sculpture, Guggenheim, 1987 Bonnefanten Museum, Maastricht, Holland, 1992 “Documenta 9”, Kassel, 1993 Kunstverein, Hannover. He was awarded the Turner Prize in 1987. Lives in London.
