Studio Voltaire presented the first-ever institutional exhibition of Roland Young (b. 1953–d. 2023).
26 June – 25 August 2024
Studio Voltaire, 1A Nelsons Row, London, SW4 7JR
An exhibition of drawings and works on paper celebrating the artistic practice of ActionSpace artist Roland Young (b. 1953–d. 2023) opened at Studio Voltaire. This was the first institutional exhibition of his work.
Roland was known for creating minimal compositions of intricate figurative drawings, depicted through delicately repeated abstract forms. His work finds conversations between various forms of abstraction, symbolism and figuration.
Many of Roland’s works portray recurrent themes of parades, tournaments, crowds or intimate gatherings. In each, Roland recreated meticulously ordered ‘line-ups’ often found in stadiums, theatre arrangements or military displays to craft unique and intriguing scenarios of celebration.
Drawing on multiple influences, Roland’s works on paper become documents of memory and even more often, imagination, illustrating the artist’s generous desire to bring people together.
Roland was a resident artist at our Studio Voltaire studio from 2004. This exhibition marked the first anniversary of the artist’s death.
Find out more about the exhibition
Presented in partnership with ActionSpace.
Supported by the Liesma Young Will Trust.
Image credit: Roland Young, 2024, Installation view at Studio Voltaire. Courtesy of the artist, ActionSpace and Studio Voltaire. Photography by Tom Carter
