ERIC STEFANSKI'S ART TAKES AN IRONICALLY SATISFYING APPROACH
When wit and irony meet artistic worldly genius, we get Eric Stefanski's pieces. For an artist to create objects that are visually pleasing to the eye is no simple feat, but it is not rare. Anyone can find a pretty painting and purchase it for the sake of just looking. However, the ability to invent art that is both aesthetically satisfying while being meaningful in some way is a challenge few can conquer. But if there is an emerging artist who flawlessly succeeds at this, it is Eric Stefanski.
Source: VSOP Projects
Born in 1987, Stefanski has been in the art scene for most of his life. Growing up in Chicago, he was heavily influenced by 90s street art that surrounded him in his childhood. He attended the School of the Art Institute in Chicago for his bachelor's and his MFA at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts in Boston. At these schools, Stefanski learned to expand his artistic pallet and explore mediums from oil paints to sculpture. He also began to navigate the direction of his work, paving the general themes that would dominate his paintings and objects.
One look at Stefanski's paintings and you're bound to have a laugh. His most recent works are mostly large-scale oil paintings that have some type of quirky saying on them. Through his art, he aims to capture the highs and lows of being an artist. In an interview with Voyage Chicago, Stefanski said, "It’s a reflection on the failure, humor, and sincerity that comes with being an artist. It’s the reach for 'artistic greatness' but continuously coming up short and falling on your face that’s a recurring theme. There are references to art history, pop culture, sports, labor and my own personal history in the work."
Source: VSOP Projects
He most certainly exhibits this mentality of artistry in his work. In creating such large pieces, Stefanski lets viewers feel as though they are part of an immersive experience. There is no doubt that the words he uses have meaning, but when one looks at them, feeling a part of their greater story is pivotal to the viewing journey. His words apply not just to artists, but any human that feels the burdens of a stressful work environment. There is a universalism in his pieces that allow every person to feel seen, regardless of their economic status or success.
VSOP Projects Gallery in Greenport, New York is currently hosting Eric Stefanski's latest works in an exhibition titled "God Bless Us Romantics." The gallery is open through September 17th, allowing ample amounts of time to explore his works. In the exhibition lie oil paintings, wooden sculptures, and LED light fixtures. Whether they are enhanced with bright colors or muted tones, one feels the message that is delivered on each piece.
Source: VSOP Projects
From more melancholic sayings like "EVERYTHING IS SHIT" to more upbeat paintings that say "OUR ROMANCE IS REAL," there are pieces that can resonate with all. A 4 by 5 gallery of smaller paintings hangs on one of the gallery walls. There is a plethora of colors, but somehow each piece complements the other. Most of them have Stefanski's ironic words splattered on them, while others are conceptual. A pink and green painting with the words "TRYING" and "CRYING" is repeated in a row, emphasizing the pain emitted.
A repeated affirmation of "I'm Going to BE A Star" in black and white takes over a huge canvas. With messy handwriting, there is a human emotion that is heavily felt in this painting. Another black-and-white piece is a simple to-do list that comedically jots down goals. Amongst them are "FIND JESUS," "STOP BOOZIN," and "HAVE MORE SEX." While these are obviously written in a funny manner, there is an undertone of seriousness that comes with these sayings. They contradict each other because societal ideology confusingly opposes its own rules. Stefanski understands this and stunningly shares his thoughts with the world.
Source: VSOP Projects
In his genius approach to art, Eric Stefanski creates thoughtful renderings of life's looming stressors. His brilliance not only shines through in his sharp and witty wordplay but also in his skillful artistry that brings forth stunning creations. Relaying these powerful messages through art is what makes Stefanski so special. To know his work is a gift to the art sphere and society at large.