Rick Begneaud | Artwork | Curriculum Vitae | Website

The works of Rick Begneaud (b. November 13, 1957) are born of place and experience. The impetus for his exotic, collaged inventions began in the heart of Cajun country where he was raised, and then later on, in his travels as the nephew and studio assistant to the legendary Robert Rauschenberg. Frayed and bold fabrics seem perfectly right next to photographic reproductions and other ephemera, but most indicative of his “paintings” are the reverberating color and the sense of formal composition turned on its head, leaps of faith that give the work their unique signature.

His use of sun-bleached and storied cloth juxtaposed with swatches of paint create a unifying landscape of color and pattern. Begneaud’s collages are emblematic of the bright colors of the bayou and the numerous travels through Africa, his upbringing, and as a pupil to Rauschenberg.

Begneaud works out of his studio in Sausalito, California, the quaint Bay Area enclave that has long been a creative hub for artists of all kinds. Still an avid traveler, Begneaud seeks out gorgeous fabrics, walls, trees, heat, beautiful people, amazing landscape and language in West and North Africa and beyond.

“Rick Begneaud has an eye that cannot be ignored. I am proud to witness his talents. The sense of color and composition are proof of unique experiences and exposures. He obviously possesses some of the old man’s genes.” – Robert Rauschenberg