Ancient Artwork

Steven Irwin is an award winning film maker and photographer. He's traveled the world in search of modern urbanscapes, iconic architecture and unusual landscapes. His work explores the tension and coexistence of nature and the man made. Photographic images are layered and juxtaposed to stage surreal, cinematic scenes rich in possibilities of interpretation: dream-like, elegiac, contemplative. Steven's art practice consists of a rigorous exploration of cityscapes, urban landscapes and the fusion of human form and natural environments. His work often references the early 17th century Vanitas compositions that consist of decaying objects, symbolic of the inevitability of death and the transience and vanity of earthly achievements. As well as customary Vanitas motifs, Steven depicts objects that have rusted - a contemporary representation of decay and mortality. His skylines and iconic architecture have been modified and arranged to create abstracted scenes which consider the evolution of urban spaces. Steven's work explores the effects of climate change on large city conurbations and depicts the decline of modern civilisation. Curator Adriana Marques at Rise Art: "Irwin's take on our dense urbanscapes remind us that even bricks and mortar don't last forever. These layered works test the boundaries of photography and bring a sense of organic vitality back to our cities. " The artist uses both analogue and digital techniques, from scratched negatives and chemical staining to digital layering and blending, each created to form a unique and stylised image.