Brian Keith Stephens is a well known oil painter and installation artist whose work affects perception of identity through emotion. Stephen’s artistic process reflects the emotions he hopes to extract from his audience. While Stephens paints seemingly simple images of animals or loved ones, upon closer observation it is clear there are multiple layers of sensitive investigation in each piece.
Turn it Up, oil on canvas 51" x 77"
Stephens was raised in Connecticut and uses his artwork to express his “fascinations with myth, the spectrum of human passion, our kinship to the spirit of the wild animal, and challenge of balancing the real with the fanciful.” He believes we must all focus on the past, present, and future in order to remain balanced in time.
Stephens work has always had a focus on the element of time and memory, asking questions such as “Do you want to be a boy or a girl? or “Are you happy with a smile?”. His newest collection works are equally as provocative using more animalistic subject matter and vibrant color.
His show Party Animals invites the viewer to use their imagination and step inside these vibrant and positive paintings to consider the life of each beast portrayed. The paintings exude bright energy and great possibility, providing the perfect portal for fantasy and curiosity.
You are My King, oil on canvas 14" x 16"
Stephens received his BFA from Lyme Academy College of Fine Art and his MFA from City College of New York. He has exhibited in galleries around the country and internationally. He has participated in multiple art fairs such as Scope Art Fair and Affordable Art Fair.
History Makes Us Believe, oil on canvas 35" x 48"
His show will be at M Fine arts from April 7 – April 30, 2017. There will be an artist reception on April 7th from 6-8 pm.
Artist, Brian Keith Stephens
M Fine Arts Galerie is located at 450 Harrison Ave. 61 Thayer St., Boston.
For more information on the artist, visit www.mfinearts.com
Text by Margaret Britven