Stephen Ignacio

Born in Gibraltar, 1969, during the year of the frontier closure when Spain sealed its borders to Gibraltarians, Stephen Ignacio spent his formative years in a town of 30,000 people within a 6km² area. This period, marked by isolation, steered him toward the arts as a means of expression and liberation, even if he didn't fully grasp its significance at the time.

At 16, Stephen began to gain public attention through a mural project, transforming his neighborhood into a minor tourist attraction with his artwork adorning the walls at Devils Gap Steps. Sadly, these murals were later destroyed in the mid-90s.

In the late 80s and early 90s, Stephen pursued fine arts at Watford College and later Gwent College (which later became the University of Wales). Here, he delved into public and installation art, creating controversial pieces that nearly led to his expulsion. His final project, "Mother England You Have Fucked Us," a socio-political installation/live performance, sparked debate over his tenure as a student due to its provocative message about self-determination. A concept which Gibraltar itself had as yet not embraced. His views on self determination later getting him into problems over his views on the independence for Gibraltar ...

BA (hons) Fine Arts

2015 - Our People - Solo Photographic exhibition
1990 and 1991 GSA Student Exhibition
1985-87 Mural Project