Mary Stephenson

Mary Stephenson (*1989, London, UK)

Born and raised in London. 

Spending a short period living and working in Madrid and then Lisbon, Stephenson now resides back in London where she studies full time at The Royal Academy Schools. 

Stephenson’s work weaves narratives around the viewer drawing them into complex and surreal scenes. In an exploration of the space between our unconscious mind and reality, Stephenson uses humour and distraction to create tension and apprehension, breaking this through her use of objects depicted as characters; a sad cucumber, a wistful piece of Stilton. 

The paintings become a sorting room of excess thoughts; layering up narratives and conflicting emotions to depict the mania of one’s projected self in a nuanced exploration of the human desire to fit in and belong. Her work has been part of several Selected Exhibitions including: DISCO Group Show, August 2021, Fitzrovia Chapel, London; Fertile Spoon - Mary Stephenson & Grace Pailthorpe Duo Show, April 2021, Bosse & Baum, London; Staying Sane Group Show, June 2020, Skanor, Sweden; Preview London Group Show, April 2020, Bosse & Baum, London; Marigolds Group Show, February 2020, Harlesden High Street, London; Maison Dakota Group Show, January 2020, Super Dakota, Brussels; Egg Roll Play Solo Show, May 2019, After Nyne Gallery, London; Reserved Exposure Group Show, June 2018, Pestana CR7, Lisbon; Carry On Bags Group Show, May 2017, Nadie Nunca Nada No, Madrid; Suck’ It and See’ Group Show, May 2017, The Brick Cube, London; My Man Solo Show, February 2017, Downstairs At Mother, London; Let Them Eat Steak Group Show, May 2015, HIX Cock ‘n’ Bull Gallery, Tramshed, London; On Canvas Solo Show, December 2014, Downstairs At Mother, London; New Contemporaries 2012 Group Show, The Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh; Glasgow School of Art Degree Show 2011 Group Show, The Glasgow School Of Art, Glasgow.