Combines Lit Sculptures by John Stephenson

The Stacks Holiday Lofts and Artists Tour

Artist: John Stephenson

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In my current work, called Combines, I combine biomorphic (human, aquatic, avian, insect) references with modernist era futuristic fantasies about the power of the machine and air and space exploration, and extraterrestrial life forms inspired by sci-fi movies. The biomorphic references arise first from the vintage pieces themselves, whose forms were conceived in organic terms. My work is in one sense a nostalgic homage to the cult of the car and American industry of the past, representing a peak period of optimism and prosperity in American culture. There is an element of critique in my work too, since these now antiquated objects represent an outdated utopian dream of the future, driven by a wanton use of hydrocarbon energy and electricity that is now affecting the economy and environment on a global scale.

Combines are currently displayed at the Kryder Gallery in Dahlonega, and at the Nth Gallery in Boone, N.C. They recently featured in the NEW ART ’08 exhibition at START-SOMA gallery and Hotel des Arts in San Francisco.