Stuart Semple (b.1980) is a multidisciplinary British artist whose work spans painting, performance, internet art, and installation. His practice addresses sociological themes such as youth politics, mass culture, image, technology, and contemporary anxieties. Often activist in nature, his projects advocate for fairness, equality, and access in the arts.
Semple’s work is known for its vibrant use of color and innovative techniques that challenge societal norms and question the role of the artist. Drawing from his experiences in a working-class household in 1980s England, Semple’s art offers a critical perspective on how societal forces shape individual narratives, highlighting themes of class and elitism.
Semple’s creative process draws inspiration from media, news, music, fashion photography, and cinema. He crafts visual ‘demo songs’ through collages, which inform his final works—whether they materialize as paintings, performances, films, drawings, or sculptures. A dedicated paintmaker since childhood, Semple creates his own unique pigments, including the acclaimed “pinkest pink” and “blackest black,” linking his practice to the legacy of historic artists.
As a curator, Stuart Semple has organized exhibitions featuring renowned artists like Tracey Emin, Jake and Dinos Chapman, Jim Lambie, Gavin Turk, Tim Noble & Sue Webster, and Jeremy Deller. He has also curated solo exhibitions for artists including Sarah Maple, Daniel Lismore, and Martin Parr.
In 2020, Semple founded GIANT, an artist-run space in Bournemouth, aiming to provide access to world-class contemporary art for the local community. GIANT hosted exhibitions featuring artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Jordan Wolfson, Mark Titchner, Tim Noble & Sue Webster, Tai Shani, Michael Simpson, and Jeremy Deller.
About the Artist
Semple’s works have been exhibited at major institutions such as the Denver Art Museum, The Whitworth, Barbican, Hong Kong Arts Center, and Dulwich Picture Gallery. His notable solo exhibitions include “D.A.B.A. – Destroy All Bad Art” (2023, London), “Dancing On My Own” (2019, London), “My Sonic Youth” (2015, Los Angeles), and “Happiness HQ” (2018, Denver). He has participated in important charity exhibitions like “Art for the Barbican” (2018, London), “Re:Define” at the Goss-Michael Foundation (2013, Dallas), and “AKA Peace” (2012, ICA, London).
Semple’s public art projects are celebrated for their ability to engage broad audiences. His “HappyCloud” performances, which have taken place in locations such as the HK Arts Center, Denver Art Museum, and The Bentway in Toronto, have garnered significant attention and acclaim for their ability to bring moments of joy and reflection to public spaces.
A vocal advocate for mental health awareness, Semple addresses issues related to anxiety and social isolation through his art. His collaboration with the mental health charity Mind and his satirical “Artist Job Center” during the pandemic underscore his commitment to social justice and mental health advocacy.
Semple’s influence extends beyond the art world into broadcasting and media. He presented the BBC Radio 4 documentary “Art of Now: Hostile Design” and has been featured on NPR’s “The Company That Owns Colors” and CBS News’ “The New Reality.” Additionally, he has hosted programs for BBC Learning, showcasing his commitment to making art accessible to a broader audience.
As an author, Semple has published “Make Art or Die Trying” (2024), which aims to inspire and educate readers about historic artworks and his personal artistic journey. Semple is also a sought-after speaker, having presented at prestigious venues such as the Oxford Union, Frieze, Denver Art Museum, Southbank Centre, and the ICA. Through these engagements, he shares his insights on art, mental health, and the role of the artist in contemporary society.
Semple’s work has been featured in major publications such as Vanity Fair, The Guardian, British GQ, Modern Painters, and Art Review. He received a Happiness Hero medal from the UN for his “HappyCloud” piece. His collaborations with major brands and artists, including Moncler, Placebo, Bulgari, Rolls Royce, and L’Oreal, have extended his practice beyond the contemporary art world.