Art by Stephen Durkin
Statement:
Having an audience is an important, and arguably, definitive aspect of any art piece. If a piece is meant to have an audience pulled from a population of strangers, then there must be something about its aesthetic that draws viewers. The goal is to engage the viewer using art, so they can then explore the themes and ideas being expressed by the piece (both those ideas they have interpreted, and those of which the artist meant to express).
In my attempt to attract a viewer, and illicit some immediate response, I will often use macabre or potentially shocking imagery. I feel that this not only secures the attention of a viewer but is also appropriate when the piece is an attempt to depict, and discuss, painful or controversial themes. However, while the imagery itself may be macabre, I work to present it in an aesthetically appealing manner. I seek to create some beauty in the macabre, or grotesque. I feel like this helps to keep viewers engaged after the initial, attention gaining shock.
Shows:
“December Group Show.” HMVC Gallery NYC. Online, NY, 2023
“Flower.” Gallery Ring. Online, 2023
“Nightmare on Kennedy.” House of Shadows, Tampa, FL, 2022
“Heartbreak.” CloudFolios, Online, FL, 2022
“Abstract.” Gallery Ring, Online, 2022
“Cutesy.” House of Shadows, Tampa, FL, 2022
“Nightmare on Kennedy.” House of Shadows, Tampa, FL, 2021
“Something Wicked.” Side Street Studio Arts, Elgin, IL, 2021
“UnEditioned.” Manhattan Graphics Center, Online, NY, 2021
“A Light in the Darkness.” Las Lagunas Gallery, Online, CA, 2020
“WE MADE IT.” The Gallery @ Paragon. Phoenixville, PA, 2020
“Inaugural National FPG Print Exhibition-Catharsis.” Fresno Printmakers Guild, Online, CA, 2020
“Heaven & Hell.” Old Court House Arts Center. Woodstock, IL, 2020
“Still Life.” Fusion Gallery. Online, CA, 2020
“Landscape-Still Life.” Gallery Ring. Online, 2020
“Surreal Salon.” Baton Rouge Gallery. Baton Rouge, LA. 2020
“Light and Shadow.” Curve Gallery. Online, MD. 2019
“Mind. HeART. Health.” War Memorial. Grosse Pointe, MI. 2019
“Dangerous Lullabies V.” Dole Mansion. Crystal Lake, IL. 2019
“Black & White Etc.” Bauhaus Prairie Art Gallery. Online, OK. 2019
“LIC Fear Returns.” The Plaxall Gallery. Long Island City, NY. 2018
“Still Life.” Bauhaus Prairie Art Gallery. Online, OK. 2018
“Natural and UnNatural Disasters.” Art Scene Today. Online, NY. 2018
“Emerging Artists.” Limner Gallery. Hudson, NY. 2018
“Divergent Ink.” Rubber City Prints. Akron, OH. 2017
“Sacred and Profane.” Arc Gallery and Studios. San Francisco, CA. 2016
“Creative Expressions 2016.” Friendship Heights Community Center. Friendship Heights, MD. 2016
“Montgomery College Student Art Show.” Sarah Silberman Art Gallery, Montgomery College. Rockville, MD. 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016