We are saddened to share that ActionSpace artist Roland Young has recently passed away. On the anniversary of his birthday (7th August), we reflect on Roland’s incredible artistic practice and achievements.

Roland was a resident artist at our Studio Voltaire studio since 2004. He created intricate drawings with repeated formations of squares, abstract forms, and figures to depict his world. Recurrent themes of parades, audiences and transport formed the basis of many drawings. Intriguing figures with characterful expressions, line-ups and crowds illustrated scenarios of celebration which brought cherished people together. Roland exhibited extensively through ActionSpace’s Part of It and Watch This Space for Wandsworth Arts Fringe between 2011 – 2017. Roland was also selected for Outside In’s national exhibition Environments at Piano Nobile Gallery and exhibited at the Studio RCA for VITAL MIX: Assembled Lines in 2019. His drawings are held in multiple private collections.

ActionSpace’s Pastoral Care Co-ordinator, Siobhan Stewart, shares her memories of Roland:

“Roland was the definition of a people person. He loved people. That was evident in his artwork, which predominantly involved drawing small figures, with each one given delicate care. This love was also present in the way Roland cared for the people in his life, his warm presence being a part of our South London studio for many years.

In terms of his artwork, standing back from it you can see his eye for placement and formation in the composition and looking closely seeing each character’s charm and personality. Roland has left behind a stunning collection of work.”

Roland will be greatly missed by his fellow studio peers, those who have worked with Roland over the years and us all at ActionSpace.