Rigel Meza Richardson

Born from a desert creature into the waves of the Pacific Ocean, carried on air currents to the Allegheny Plateau, Rigel currently nests in the last big curve of the Mon Valley, in Pittsburgh, PA. They hold a BFA from Carnegie Mellon, have exhibited work across the Rustbelt, and published their first book in 2019.

In all media, Rigel takes earnest gestures and everyday observations and expands them, lovingly, in scale and detail, affording a longer, intimate look at the emotional currents that underpin brief moments.

Marks, shapes, and palettes are frequently drawn from familiar places and cherished memories. Inspirations include the punchy colors of cityscapes and ocean creatures, which cause optical flicker and confusion; patterns and shapes derived from distinct anatomical features of creatures who shy away from human interaction; and the traditions and artforms of their Mexican heritage such as Alejibres and Dia De Los Muertos.

Saturated, appearing pop and playful at a glance, their work often provokes hard to describe somatic reactions as the residue of action and emotion rises to the surface, delivered by forefronted softness. Longer looks reveal an intensity of movement – the dynamic linework is a direct record of the artist’s intuitive gestures and repeated motions. Like a circular thought, an obsession over an idea or a feeling you just can’t let go, the eye is redirected around and through, welcomed again and again. Viewers are invited to contemplate, define, revisit, and play within the visual space.

Some consistent themes include Anxiety, Mortality, Mythology, Flow, Queer Bodies, and Identity.

Photo by Rigel Meza Richardson