Draft:Stephen Graham

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Stephen Graham is an internationally recognized POP artist and designer, originally hailing from South Africa. He completed his formal education at the esteemed Central Saint Martins in London in 2003. Throughout his illustrious career, Graham has traversed various artistic mediums and has made significant imprints in the art landscapes of the United Kingdom, the USA, and South Africa.

Graham initiated his artistic journey in the realms of decor, fashion, and lifestyle, contributing to diverse platforms such as magazines, theatre, television, cinema, and various events. Over time, he ventured into the pop and urban art niches. Many of his creations resonate with the influence of iconic POP artists, notably Andy Warhol, and draw from urban architectural aesthetics. At the heart of Graham's artistry is a profound commitment to visual storytelling. By harnessing imagery from mainstream culture, and juxtaposing it with vivid hues, audacious patterns, and uncomplicated materials, he amplifies potent societal commentaries.

Stephen’s innovative artworks have become sought-after collector’s pieces by prominent art collectors, designers, advertising executives, and celebrities alike. His work has also been featured in the likes of Top Billing, De Beers, 3Talk with Noleen, Dr Robert Rey, Hello! Magazine, WestEast Magazine, Ministry of Sound, BBC, Endemol UK, E4, OK! Magazine, ELLE Decor, Rambert, and The Directors Guild of Great Britain.

Art Styles:[edit]

  • POP CRYSTALISM:

In his avant-garde 'Pop Crystalism' technique, Graham crafts detailed three-dimensional art pieces from metal pins, each adorned with carefully selected crystals. He masterfully leverages negative space, with the crystals meticulously dictating his color spectrum. While each creation captivates with its luminosity, a closer inspection reveals profound reflections on universal narratives such as consumerism, societal constructs, and nostalgia.

  • INK’D:

The 'Ink'd' series is a testament to Graham's unrestrained artistic flair. Reverently nodding to luminaries of the POP Art era, including Andy Warhol, Graham revivifies visuals from high-end fashion, promotional campaigns, comic book artistry, and emblematic consumer merchandise. With a liberal use of vibrant acrylic inks and aerosol paints, he permits the mediums to instinctively carve out their trajectory, fostering organic designs. This collection, characterized by the uninhibited merging of inks and spontaneous paint eruptions, encapsulates the tumult of quotidian existence. As a finishing flourish, each masterpiece is delicately dusted with diamond particles, infusing Graham's emblematic shimmer.

Exhibitions & Galleries:[edit]

Stephen Graham's prolific artistry has found a home in distinguished galleries across three continents:

United Kingdom:[edit]

South Africa:[edit]

  • Gallery Direct, Johannesburg: A pivotal hub for modern and traditional art in the heart of Johannesburg.
  • Alive Art, Johannesburg: A vibrant gallery, echoing the heartbeat of South African contemporary artistry.
  • The White House Gallery, Johannesburg: Celebrated for its rich history and eclectic art selection.
  • Hout Bay Gallery, Cape Town: Located in the scenic heart of Cape Town, showcasing an array of talented South African artists.

USA:[edit]

Art fairs:[edit]

Stephen's pieces have illuminated many art fairs over the years. Highlights include his presence at the Turbine Art Fair in Johannesburg in 2016 and his feature at the Affordable Art Fair in London in 2023.

He has also featured at the following fairs:

  • Affordable Art Fair, Battersea Spring, London 9-12 March 2023
  • SCOPE Miami, 3-8 December 2019
  • San Francisco Art and Antique Show, 3-6 October 2019
  • Naples Jewelry, Art & Antique Show, 23-26 February 2019
  • Art Wynwood, 14-18 February 2019
  • Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show, 13-19 February 2019
  • Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary, 10-13 January 2019
  • Context Art Miami, 4-9 December 2018
  • Contemporary Art Fair of Rochester, 26-28 November 2018
  • San Francisco Art and Antique Show, 10-14 October 2018
  • Art Wynwood, 15-19 February 2018
  • Art Palm Beach, 17-21 January 2018
  • Spectrum Miami, 6-10 December 2017
  • Art Boca Raton, 15-19 March 2017
  • Art Wynwood, 16-20 February 2017
  • Art Palm Beach, 18-22 January 2017
  • Turbine Art Fair (TAF) Johannesburg, 13-16 July 2016

Gallery Shows:[edit]

Notable showcases of Stephen's work include the 'POP SUGAR' exhibition at Kristen Campo Fine Art in 2022 and the 'WHACK!' display at InToto Gallery in 2014.

He has also featured at the following Gallery Shows:

  • ‘POP SUGAR’ Kristen Campo Fine Art, Rochester, NY, 20 October 2022
  • ‘Small July’ Jennifer Balcos Gallery, Atlanta, Group Show, July 2022
  • ‘From Pop to Present’ Clarendon Fine Art, Marylebone, London Group Show, 28th April 2022
  • Effusion Gallery, Fort Lauderdale, Group Show, 4 March 2022
  • ‘Monroe County Sheriff and Presidential Pardon Exhibition’ Kristen Camp Fine Art, Rochester NY, Group Show, 18-23 May 2021
  • ‘Genesis’ Clarendon Fine Art, Mayfair, London, Group Show, 11 December- 11 January 2019-2020
  • Trinity House Paintings, San Francisco, Group Show, 28 April 2019
  • Design Joburg featuring Rooms on View, 24-26 May 2019
  • ‘Casino Real’ in Partnership with New World Symphony, Oliver Cole Gallery,  Miami , Group Show, October 2018
  • ‘Mood Swings’  Oliver Cole Gallery, Miami Art Week, Group Show, 4-10 December 2017
  • ‘Fashion In Art’ in association with Rochester Fashion Week, Nan Miller Gallery, Rochester NY, 21 September – 17 October 2016
  • ‘Gold Rush’ InToto Gallery, Johannesburg Group Show, 6 February – 5 March 2016
  • ‘Resonance & Wonder’ South African Jewish Museum Group Show, Cape Town, 11 October -15 November 2015
  • Schwartz Art & Jewellery, Johannesburg, Solo Show, 14-17 May 2015
  • ‘WHACK!’ InToto Gallery, Johannesburg, Solo Show, 7-31 March 2014
  • Graham Contemporary, Johannesburg, Group Show, 2014
  • SASOL New Signatures, Pretoria, (Short List) Group Show, 2012
  • Westminster Arts Open Exhibition, London, Group Show, June 2007

External Links:[edit]





References[edit]

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