Steven Shearer, a notoriously private and reserved Canadian artist, has a unique ability to transform elements of subcultures and German Romanticism into profound artistic expressions. Despite his reluctance to engage in interviews or elaborate on his creative process, his extensive body of work—spanning four decades and encompassing striking paintings of long-haired youths, collages of borrowed imagery, and monumental poems influenced by heavy metal lyrics—offers a compelling glimpse into his inner world.
Shearer, speaking from his pristine Vancouver studio in anticipation of his upcoming exhibition at London’s David Zwirner Gallery, his first in the UK since 2007, admits that words are not his primary medium of communication. “I wrote down lots of potential things to say,” he confesses, “but it’s not my nature. All the hope or will to be able to communicate kind of goes into the pictures. And I try to stay out of the way once that’s happened.” His artistic endeavors, though often perceived as cryptic, effectively convey his intentions, much like a shy individual communicating through their creative output.
English Translation:
Steven Shearer, a notoriously private and reserved Canadian artist, possesses a distinctive talent for transforming elements of subcultures and German Romanticism into profound artistic expressions. Despite his aversion to interviews and reluctance to over-explain his work, his extensive artistic output—spanning four decades and featuring striking paintings of long-haired teenagers, collages of appropriated images, and billboard-sized poetry inspired by heavy metal lyrics—offers a compelling insight into his world.
Speaking from his immaculate white studio in Vancouver, ahead of his exhibition at David Zwirner Gallery in London, his first UK show since 2007, Shearer acknowledges his preference for visual communication. “I wrote down lots of potential things to say,” he admits, “but it’s not my nature. All the hope or will to be able to communicate kind of goes into the pictures. And I try to stay out of the way once that’s happened.” His art, rather than overtly explaining itself, speaks through its evocative imagery, akin to a shy individual channeling their thoughts and feelings into their creations.