GARY STEPHENS
GARY STEPHENS, Ariel Matters
Chalk Pastel and Watercolour on Folded Paper, 16.5 x 16.5 cm
Working in chalk pastel, watercolour and his signature folded paper technique, Johannesburg-based artist Gary Stephens presents two small portraits which are part of a larger body of work that celebrates the many young, gay men in South Africa living their lives with courage and dignity. The heroic treatment of his subjects pays homage to those who are helping to transform social rules by bravely proclaiming their gay pride. Stephens explains further: “I am grateful for the new voices that expand society’s acceptance of being gay… and for the freedoms they earn for all gay people by courageously living open lives.”
Contact: info@everardlondon.com
GARY STEPHENS, Fernando Matters
Chalk Pastel and Watercolour on Folded Paper, 16.5 x 16.5 cm
Working in chalk pastel, watercolour and his signature folded paper technique, Johannesburg-based artist Gary Stephens presents two small portraits which are part of a larger body of work that celebrates the many young, gay men in South Africa living their lives with courage and dignity. The heroic treatment of his subjects pays homage to those who are helping to transform social rules by bravely proclaiming their gay pride. Stephens explains further: “I am grateful for the new voices that expand society’s acceptance of being gay… and for the freedoms they earn for all gay people by courageously living open lives.”
Contact: info@everardlondon.com
GARY STEPHENS, Afternoon Light on Graaff-Reinet Aloes
Charcoal and newsprint collage on pleated paper, 114 x 140 cm
Gary Stephens’ landscapes pay homage to Africa and focus attention on symbols of African life. In 2009 he undertook a year-long residency at Greatmore Studios in Cape Town. Since then Stephens has been living and working in South Africa – where his work began on a series of monumental portraits of his artist friends and their African sense of style and dress. With an outsider eye and fresh appreciation of his adopted home, he combines his interests in optical effects, stripes, and fractured images, with his love of pattern and mark-making, and uses the portrait and landscape to explore both his visual interests and to engage with the beauty of the African continent.
GARY STEPHENS, La Primavera
Newsprint collage & chalk pastel on folded paper, 158 x 122 cm
Gary Stephens’ portraits pay homage to the African traditions of hair-braiding, hats, headscarves and contemporary urban style. Many of his drawings focus on the iconic power of a subject’s hair or headdress rather than their specific facial features. Stephens portrays women in head scarves or men in hats to focus attention on the power of these everyday symbols of African life and to capture a sense of contemporary African style and flair for fashion. Stephens is drawn to patterns and visual rhythms, such as geometric repetitions, textile patterns, or botanical shapes. He is attracted to non-verbal, hypnotic visual experiences and often creates layers of patterns that offset and energize the image in the foreground.
GARY STEPHENS, Leticia with Red Polkadot Scarf
chalk pastel and Newsprint on folded paper, 114 x 144 cm
Gary Stephens’ portraits pay homage to the African traditions of hair-braiding, hats, headscarves and contemporary urban style. Many of his drawings focus on the iconic power of a subject’s hair or headdress rather than their specific facial features. Stephens portrays women in head scarves or men in hats to focus attention on the power of these everyday symbols of African life and to capture a sense of contemporary African style and flair for fashion. Stephens is drawn to patterns and visual rhythms, such as geometric repetitions, textile patterns, or botanical shapes. He is attracted to non-verbal, hypnotic visual experiences and often creates layers of patterns that offset and energize the image in the foreground.
GARY STEPHENS, Rachel Facing Forward
Chalk pastel and newsprint collage on paper, 133 x 114 cm
Gary Stephens’ portraits pay homage to the African traditions of hair-braiding, hats, headscarves and contemporary urban style. Many of his drawings focus on the iconic power of a subject’s hair or headdress rather than their specific facial features. Stephens portrays women in head scarves or men in hats to focus attention on the power of these everyday symbols of African life and to capture a sense of contemporary African style and flair for fashion. Stephens is drawn to patterns and visual rhythms, such as geometric repetitions, textile patterns, or botanical shapes. He is attracted to non-verbal, hypnotic visual experiences and often creates layers of patterns that offset and energize the image in the foreground.
GARY STEPHENS, Red Swallows over Verwater Pan Acacia
Charcoal and newsprint collage on pleated paper, 114 x 170 cm
Gary Stephens’ landscapes pay homage to Africa and focus attention on symbols of African life. In 2009 he undertook a year-long residency at Greatmore Studios in Cape Town. Since then Stephens has been living and working in South Africa – where his work began on a series of monumental portraits of his artist friends and their African sense of style and dress. With an outsider eye and fresh appreciation of his adopted home, he combines his interests in optical effects, stripes, and fractured images, with his love of pattern and mark-making, and uses the portrait and landscape to explore both his visual interests and to engage with the beauty of the African continent.
Specialists in contemporary art from South Africa. Established in 1913. South African artists are part of the global conversation. We seek to make their voices heard.