Rush Drayton (b. 1998) is an emerging Australian sculptor who investigates human society through an animalistic, surrealist lens.
Intrigued by the concept of detachment from our animal selves, Drayton explores animals' umwelt—their perception of reality through senses incomprehensible to humans—and how this may find representation in the human form.
While working as a software engineer, Drayton studied the uncanny valley theory, which examines how human-like objects or graphics can provoke emotional responses and challenge viewers' perceptions of reality. Now, he applies this theory to his art. Silicone is the closest proxy for human skin, and by employing techniques of airbrushing, pigmenting, and punching individual hairs, Drayton creates works that look and feel startlingly real.
Drayton is currently completing a Master's in Innovation Design Engineering, a joint program offered by the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London. Viewing art as a platform for technical exploration, Drayton intends to use this joint degree to advance his practice, creating immersive, surrealist, hyperrealistic experiences.
Education
MA Master's of Art - Royal College of Art '26
MSc Master's of Science - Imperial College London '26
Selected Press
2024 - Monster Children: Rush Drayton’s Sculptures Make Us Wonder In The Best Way
2024 - Mr Simple: Rush Drayton Artist Feature
2024 - RUSSH Magazine: Meet the artists behind Artclub’s surreal new exhibition Frontiers
Collaborations
2024 Primitive Medium, SBS
2024 Animal Selves, Victor Churchill, Sydney
Selected Solo Exhibitions
2024 Animal Selves, Comber Street Studios, Sydney
Selected Group Exhibitions
2024 Frontiers - Artclub, Comber Street Studios, Sydney
Awards
2023 Grandfather Hare, Sculpture on the Farm, Finalist
2023 Grandfather Hare, Sculptures in the Garden, Finalist
2023 Couch Potato, Hornsby Art Prize, Finalist
Selected Commissions
2023 Stock Horse, Inglis Bloodstock Consultant, Sydney
Intrigued by the concept of detachment from our animal selves, Drayton explores animals' umwelt—their perception of reality through senses incomprehensible to humans—and how this may find representation in the human form.
While working as a software engineer, Drayton studied the uncanny valley theory, which examines how human-like objects or graphics can provoke emotional responses and challenge viewers' perceptions of reality. Now, he applies this theory to his art. Silicone is the closest proxy for human skin, and by employing techniques of airbrushing, pigmenting, and punching individual hairs, Drayton creates works that look and feel startlingly real.
Drayton is currently completing a Master's in Innovation Design Engineering, a joint program offered by the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London. Viewing art as a platform for technical exploration, Drayton intends to use this joint degree to advance his practice, creating immersive, surrealist, hyperrealistic experiences.
Education
MA Master's of Art - Royal College of Art '26
MSc Master's of Science - Imperial College London '26
Selected Press
2024 - Monster Children: Rush Drayton’s Sculptures Make Us Wonder In The Best Way
2024 - Mr Simple: Rush Drayton Artist Feature
2024 - RUSSH Magazine: Meet the artists behind Artclub’s surreal new exhibition Frontiers
Collaborations
2024 Primitive Medium, SBS
2024 Animal Selves, Victor Churchill, Sydney
Selected Solo Exhibitions
2024 Animal Selves, Comber Street Studios, Sydney
Selected Group Exhibitions
2024 Frontiers - Artclub, Comber Street Studios, Sydney
Awards
2023 Grandfather Hare, Sculpture on the Farm, Finalist
2023 Grandfather Hare, Sculptures in the Garden, Finalist
2023 Couch Potato, Hornsby Art Prize, Finalist
Selected Commissions
2023 Stock Horse, Inglis Bloodstock Consultant, Sydney