Artist profile #233

Stephen Smith

Stephen Smith makes work drawn from conspiracy theory, bit-rot, black holes, psycho-geographic post-traumatic landscapes.

Stephen works predominantly with painting, drawing, print, and installation. He uses a process of formal abstraction to deconstruct and reconstruct the form and language of the work. Through these themes, forms and motifs are built up and re-worked over time, with each iteration new works are formed in which the dialogue is in a state of flux.

“I am particularly interested in the shape, form and nature of mixed material within process and time and how this language informs visual communication. A language that is built up over time and which is often re-worked, by doing so, new contexts and meanings are formed.”

Stephen Smith's work is characterised by his studio work and larger site-specific installations. His work is known for its multi-disciplined process-led hand-drawn style within graphic compositions. He has presented his work internationally including; MU - Holland, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art -UK, and the Nam June Paik Centre - South Korea. The Arts Council of England and The British Council have supported his work.

Stephen is the founder of Neasden Control Centre. Clients commission Stephen on a range of projects including: editorial illustration, illustrated maps, hand drawn lettering & advertising. This work is one of our favourites and transcends era and demographics so well. His output also includes site specific installation for interiors such as hotels, offices & institutions, motion graphics / animation / music videos, surface pattern design & illustrated packaging. In 2016 he won best design of the year award by Creative Review for his installation at the Royal London Hospital.

Website: www.stephen--smith.com

Instagram: @neasdencontrolcentre