Stuart Semple (b.1980) is a multidisciplinary British artist whose practice spans painting, performance, internet art, and installation. His works adopt a sociological lens to explore themes of youth politics, mass culture, image, technology, and anxiety. Often activist in nature, his broader projects frequently strive for fairness, equality, and access, particularly within the arts.
Semple’s work is renowned for its vibrant use of color and innovative techniques that challenge societal norms and question the role of the artist. His art explores themes of freedom, control, and the impact of mass culture on personal identity. Drawing from his experiences growing up in a working-class household in 1980s England, Semple’s work offers a critical perspective on how societal forces shape individual experiences. His pieces often reflect issues of class and elitism.
Semple’s creative process is akin to that of a musician, drawing inspiration from media, news, music, fashion shoots, and film. He crafts visual ‘demo songs’ through collage, which inform his final works—whether they manifest 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,” connecting his practice to the legacy of historic artists.
About the artist
Major international institutions, including the Denver Art Museum, The Whitworth, Barbican, Hong Kong Arts Center, and Dulwich Picture Gallery have presented Semple’s work. 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 significant group exhibitions such as “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 & The Bentway in Toronto, have garnered significant attention and acclaim. These projects exemplify his commitment to making art accessible and engaging, bringing 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 dedication 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 the lessons he has learned as an artist. 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 on the first International Day of Happiness 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.