POP CRYSTALISM

Stephen Graham uniquely constructs dazzling three-dimensional artworks from metal pins, each individually crowned with exclusive crystals and, he says, the essential ingredient of negative space. In this intricate and precise process, he transforms clusters of exquisite jewelled pins into iconic images of objects, logos and symbols from the pop art repertoire which he coined 'POP CRYSTALISM’.

Each composition is brought to life with carefully chosen exclusive crystals which provide his colour palette and confer an extraordinary and beautiful radiance. Regardless of shared subject matter, they ensure that no two pieces in Stephen’s collection will ever look the same, as each has its own identity, character and energy. The visual impact of Stephen’s intricate work is further enhanced by his intention to convey a range of subtle messages, should the viewer choose to read them. Working within popular cultural tropes allows him to comment on issues such as consumerism, nostalgia and social structures, and this adds a layer of intrigue and substance to the finished piece.

After graduating from Central Saint Martins in London in 2003, Stephen began to develop his unique vision as an Artist and a Designer in the Art and Creative industries. He made his mark in several disciplines and sectors both in London where he started out, and in his home country of South Africa. He implemented a process of what he calls ‘experiential design’, working in the fields of décor, fashion and lifestyle with magazines, theatre, TV, cinema and events. His novel and imaginative approach to creative design has informed his innovative artworks which, over the last decade, have become highly sought after collector’s pieces. He has undertaken commissions from notable companies and private collectors and has exhibited at some of the worlds leading art fairs.
“POP CRYSTALISM allows me to play with emotion and colour. Using crystals, I can transform a hard-edged pin and iconic image into something with a life of its own, with light, body, depth and movement. I use different stones to create radiance, meaning and expression and each one has its own character and energy.”

‘What is art if it is not alive? I say that all art should shine. Literally.”