Causa Sui: A Triptych (Destroyed)

A triptych by Richard J Butler

Butler (b.1986) is a London-based artist and graduate of Chelsea College of Art.

This triptych was destroyed shortly after it was made. The nature of Butler's work is such that not all survive beyond their creation. The process of layering paint, chalk, dust and other fragments can leave surfaces unstable, this is reflected in the title; Causa sui, a latin phrase meaning "cause of itself". Freud interpreted Causa sui as something that 'continues to create meaning beyond its own life.'

The fact that this triptych now only exists as a photographic copy makes it an ideal choice for display on The London Arts Board; a gallery that shows artworks as billboard display, on a dis-used council notice board on the corner of Peckham Road and Vestry Road.