RE:DEFINE – Stuart Semple
Stuart Semple regularly exhibits worldwide and has held successful solo exhibitions in Italy,
Pteromechanophobia. Aryclic Charcoal Glitter & Paintmarker on canvas 120 x 120cm 2011
Hong Kong, London and New York. His works can be found in major international collections including the Getty, Langen, David Roberts and Niarchos foundations and on the walls of One Hyde Park in London. Semple’s work have also been well received during top international art fairs including Art Basel Miami, Hong Kong art Fair, Frieze and Art Chicago. He has been featured across the media including BBC, Esquire, The Art Newspaper, Vogue, The Telegraph, Observer, i-D, and Art Review.
A traumatic near death experience at the age of 19 resulted in an insatiable dedication towards painting. Finding catharsis through his work, Semple produced over 3000 pictures by the age of 21 which he sold on eBay. Since selling his early work to Debbie Harry, and being persuaded to move to London by legendary art dealer Anthony d’Offay, Semple went on to create his seminal performance ‘HappyCloud’ from London’s Tate Modern in which he flooded the London skyline with thousands of pink smiley clouds at the height of the recession. Recently, Semple initiated a grant fund within the mental heath charity Mind through which he hopes others experiencing mental distress might enjoy the benefits that creativity has awarded him. He has also founded the Aubin Gallery, a 3000 square foot space in East London which is dedicated to nurturing new British talent. Passionate about music, Semple has collaborated with Lady Gaga, The Prodigy and The Futureheads. As part of an ongoing collaboration with luxury Italian fashion house Moncler, Semple’s original paintings can be seen worldwide throughout their flagship stores. Semple advises the Design and Artist’s Copyright Society as a member of their creators’ council. He is on the judging panel for the Cork Street Open and writes monthly for the UK’s widest distributed art magazine Art of England. Semple is also a member of the expert panel for CoolBrands. Semple is currently preparing for a large scale one man show in China and a large public art performance for London’s Southbank as part of the 2012 Cultural Olympiad.
Stuart Semple’s art will be exhibited at the Goss-Michael Foundation from Sept. 16 – 23 for the MTV RE:DEFINE event. His work along with 29 other works of international artist – including Damien Hirst, Tracey, Ben Eine, Jamel Shabazz, Shepard Fairey – will be auctioned off at a VIP reception on Saturday, Sept. 24. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the Staying Alive Foundation which encourages, energizes and empowers young people who are involved in HIV and AIDS awareness, education and prevention campaigns. For those unable to attend the event, absentee bids will also be accepted including via telephone – please visit www.mtvredefine.com for more information on how to bid.
