Stephen Spiller

My work is based on social, cultural and political themes expressed through two dimensional, visual art. Basquiat and Banksy, for example, inspire me. My images are sourced from my own photographs as well as work I have recontextualized from other arenas, such as the internet, print publications, etc. I use text and digital manipulation, employing humor, satire, emotionally charged words, and other figurative language techniques to express my ideas.

I'm particularly interested in understanding how social media, as a communication tool, influences relationships. Central to my thinking is that most people don't explore, and resolve, issues surrounding their identity. For that reason, I think, they fail to understand why they behave as they do, and that failure carries long-term consequences.

What I’d like my art to accomplish is to raise “mindfulness” on the subjects of identity and consequential behavior. My website opens with a welcome page, an animated GIF, which illustrates many elements I incorporate into my images.

My current work focuses on politics. The acrimony evident in United States politics is appalling. Social, political, and cultural practices shape our lives and government is polarizing the electorate and e...

I am a self-taught artist.

Group Exhibitions
1993
• Longwood Gardens, West Chester, PA

2004
• Soho Photo Gallery, New York, NY
• Borders Books and Music, New York, NY
• Starving Artist Ball, New York, NY

2005
• Los Angeles Center For Digital Art, Los Angeles, CA
• Association of Independent Video and Filmmakers, New York, NY
• Art Basel Miami Beach, Miami Beach, FL***

2006
• LH Horton Jr. Gallery, Stockton, CA

2011
• Center for Art Photography Gallery, Fort Collins, CO,
• Old Court House Arts Center Gallery, Woodstock, IL
• LH Horton Jr Gallery, Stockton, CA

2012
• The Palais de Glace, Buenos Aires, Argentina*
• Photo L.A., Los Angeles, CA
• Silvia White Gallery, Ventura, CA
• The Cole Art Center, Nacogdoches, TX*
• The Kiernan Gallery, Lexington, VA*
• Robeson Gallery, University Park, PA*
• Attleboro Arts Museum, Attleboro, MA
• Galerie Huit, Arles, France**
• Tag Gallery, Bergamont Station, Los Angeles, CA*
• The Center for Contemporary Art, Bedminster, NJ

2013
• Center of Culture of Kriva Palanka, Republic of Macedonia
• Black Box Gallery, Portland, OR
• Providence Art Club Gallery, Providence, RI
• Robeson Gallery, University Park, PA*
• 1650 Gallery, Los Angeles, CA*
• Museum of Medimurje, Cakovec, Croatia*...