When we were Monsters

James Richards (born 1983 in Cardiff, UK) is renowned for his provocative and intense moving-image works that collage together a wide range of materials sourced from home movies, private and public archives, as well as TV clips, combined with rich musical soundtracks.

Richards’ art draws on the relentless flood of images that has become a hallmark of the 21st century. His works filter, sort, and condense collected materials into a space where personal interiority and digital materiality meet. Alongside his films, Richards has created exhibition projects based on archival research and ongoing dialogues with other artists.

Published to accompany the eponymous exhibition at Haus Mödrath, this title brings together sound and video installations as well as sculptural works, while outlining the relationships and influences that have informed Richards’ practice, including collaborative projects with long-standing partners, works created by close friends, and artists that have inspired him.

With work and contributions by Tolia Astakhishvili, Albrecht, Becker, Christian Friedrich, Bastien Gachet, Isa Genzken, Margarethe Held, Adrian Hermanides, Anne McGuire, Steve Reinke, Rachel Reupke, JX Williams; Texts: Chris McCormack, Joseph Henry, James Richards.

Text in English and German.