Pierre le Riche, Searching for Greener Pastures, 2023, Acrylic yarn on polyester and paint (diptych stretched on canvas), 75 x 140 cm. 29 1/2 x 55 1/8 in. (over all), 75 x 70 cm. 29 1/2 x 27 1/2 in. (each panel)
Pierre le Riche (b. 1986, Gqeberha, South Africa) is a multidisciplinary artist working across modes of sculpture and installation, widely recognized for his use of textiles and thread. Identity is woven into and essential to his practice; much of his work has been aimed at confronting themes of colonialism and race, as well as challenging norms and associations around gender and sexuality. For his recent body of fiber-based work, le Riche creates vibrant and provocative figurative tapestries that center his queer identity while reflecting on the complexities of belonging in a contemporary world.
Le Riche holds a Master of Fine Arts with distinction from the University of Cape Town and has since worked as a full-time artist, curator, and potter. He has exhibited in solo and group shows across South Africa and abroad, participated in international art fairs, including 1-54 in London and AKAA in Paris, and created installations for global brands such as Daimler and Cartier. His large-scale thread installation Rainbow Rooms has been part of traveling exhibitions in the USA and China since 2018.
