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 Room has been part of traveling exhibitions in the USA and China since 2018.
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“I’m interested in how handcrafts, particularly textiles and fibers, can be seen as a form of women’s work. I enjoy reversing these gender roles, for example, juxtaposing them with imagery often associated with the masculine.” Pierre le Riche
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“For me, the idea of storing remains [in urns] extends to memory as well. The urns I create are empty, but every single one is built and adorned with a particular memory involved, be it a of a person, alive or dead, or a significant moment in my life.” Pierre le Riche
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My sketchbook is my portable studio. I am fortunate enough to have a studio at home, and when I am away from home, it is frustrating if I cannot immediately explore spontaneous ideas
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“As a sculptor, I see handcrafts in the same light as sculpture. Although most of this work results in what can be considered a two-dimensional image, I think of them as three-dimensional objects, which involve three-dimensional thinking.” Pierre le Riche
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Pierre le Riche, Flaccid Penis (maquette), 2021
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“I realized over the years that making work about an authentically lived experience is much more powerful than attempting to be universal... I hope that by telling my story, viewers can relate in their own way.” Pierre le Riche
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Artist Pierre le Riche in his studio, Aachen, Germany. Photograph: Copyright the artist.
