I identify as an American Painter, and my artworks have received global recognition, finding their way into collections around the world. My core mission revolves around the constant growth, enrichment, and nurturing of my artistic journey.

In the realm of my artistic pursuit, my objective is clear: to examine the depths of creativity by investigating subconscious, identity, and absolute realities. I aspire to transcend the limitations of conventional thinking, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of consciousness and creativity. I strive to achieve this by offering a fresh and distinctive perspective, one that is uniquely my own. Through this endeavor, I aim to make a meaningful contribution to the intricate realm of the visual art thought process through my research and practice. My work is classified into two distinctive series “Tree and Figure.”

Research
To fully grasp my present artistic exploration and research, it's imperative to embark on a journey through time, starting in 2012. In December 2012, my investigation into the concept of "Surreality" commenced, a concept briefly touched upon in Andre Breton's 1924 Manifesto of Surrealism. My initial interpretation of "Surreality" in 2012 reads: "Surreality is an absolute reality, the essence of one's life, an individual's ultimate truth. It emanates from the purest emotions and thoughts, unburdened by the constraints of reality or representation. It's an individual's absolute truth, where thoughts metamorphose into interpretations of the external world. Each person molds their unique interpretation, crafting their absolute reality, down to the simplest color or shape."

Past
My research continued introducing dialogue into my artwork This is achieved by constructing/deconstructing qualia from my subconscious and articulating each by visually fabricating (sewing) a new canvas on top of the original and/or by tearing away the original canvas to reveal an older layer of canvas underneath. Each canvas constructed (Synthetic Surreality) and deconstructed (Analytic Surreality) represents a subconscious thought. When these thoughts or inner voices are coexistent they begin to produce a dialogue. In 2018 I had a large solo exhibition called “Conversations”.  I resume my exploration into my subconscious and I begin to lose boundaries of creating art and replacing them with spontaneity, nostalgia, and instinctive practice creating absolute freedom to pursue my subconscious (2019). I started to gather various random materials that seemed to interest me (at the time) that I may or may not use in future work. Using both Analytical and Synthetic Surreality I start to add (and subtract) elements into the artworks with the concept of adding a new layer of consciousness.

Past
My research took intriguing turns as I introduced dialogues into my artwork. This was achieved by crafting and deconstructing qualia from my subconscious, translating each into visual form. Whether sewing a new canvas atop the original or tearing away layers to unveil older canvases beneath, each canvas, constructed (Synthetic Surreality) or deconstructed (Analytic Surreality), gave voice to a subconscious thought. These thoughts, when coexisting, engaged in a compelling dialogue. The year 2018 marked a significant milestone with my solo exhibition titled "Conversations" containing my figurative paintings. My journey into the subconscious resumed, transcending the boundaries of art creation, welcoming spontaneity, nostalgia, and instinctive practice, ushering in a profound sense of creative liberation in 2019. Gathering found objects further fueled my exploration. During this phase, I skillfully blended elements of various art movements: Surrealism for exploring states of consciousness, Cubism for constructing and deconstructing, Art Nouveau for the sleekness and fluidity of the female form, and Pop art for nostalgia, found objects, and lighting installations. I coined the term "Pop Nouveau" to encapsulate my work during this period. In 2018, I introduced symmetry into my figurative art, duplicating, flipping, and overlaying figures to symbolize three identities. By 2020, my exploration broadened to encompass various themes, exploring the intricate dynamics of consciousness, absolute realities, and identity.

Present
From 2022 to the present, my work has taken a more profound dive into complex compositions, fluidity, symmetry, and the intricacies of identity. I've explored various dimensions of identity dynamics, including the real self, the perceived self, and the masked self, all within the framework of consciousness. Additionally, I've woven diverse perspectives rooted in culture, ethnicity, gender, and sexual/gender identity into my art. This infusion of new conceptual elements challenges the rigid definitions of individuality and self-identity, mirroring the dynamic shifts in contemporary society. This realization reshapes my perspectives on identity and consciousness, especially within the realm of postmodernist art.

My recent work reinforces the interplay between "process" and "meaning" in my art. It begins with the systematic construction and deconstruction of my creations into discernible layers. The “figure” or “abstract figure” series is now renamed the "Contemporary Figure" series it continues to employ symmetrical techniques, using the human form as a canvas to convey states of consciousness. The artistic process will intricately interconnect these figurative forms with various diverse identities and realities. The "Tree" series, on the other hand, incorporates fundamental elements of art such as space, shape, form, and color, employing expressive techniques. These two undertakings complement and enrich each other, embracing diverse painting methodologies, including sewing onto canvas, creating painted light installations, and manipulating the canvas itself through construction and deconstruction techniques. In this phase, I aspire to contribute meaningfully to the growth of art and creativity allowing me to embrace my vision for the future and recognize the power of art in driving positive change in our world.

Future
Recently, I've refined and clarified the visual art thought process, encapsulating it within the "Fein Wheel of Visual Art Thought Process." This diagram serves as a comprehensive blueprint for my ongoing research and artwork. A recent testament to this process was my Art Residency at the TESA Creative Center in Taipei, Taiwan, which transpired from June 28 to July 28, 2023. Themed "Angels and Deities," this body of work symbolizes my transition from Asia to North America, harmoniously aligning with my new research. My perpetual exploration of the visual thought process contributes to shaping the future of art. It ensures the preservation and discernment of the intrinsic "human" element in the creation of art.

Richard Feinman

April 15, 2024