Steve Powers: Studio Gangster

by Steve Powers

Philadelphia native, Steve (ESPO) Powers arrived in New York in the early 90 s, immersing himself in the city s vibrant Graffiti scene and quickly developing a unique, conceptually driven style all his own. By the end of the decade he started his own studio practice and launched a distinguished career both as a fine artist and a commercial illustrator. With the publication of Steve Powers Is A Studio Gangster, Powers records 5 years of paintings that distill the complete range of human emotion into readily recalled and related memes. These visual archetypes are aptly described by Powers as a synthesis of word and image to create a new emotional revelation . This book is published on the occasion of his Fall 2007 exhibition at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art entitled. Powers is a 2008 Fulbright scholar and has shown at Deitch Projects, the 49th Bienalle, the Luggage Store and the Liverpool Biannual in 2004

112 pages, Hardcover

First published December 12, 2007

Reviews

[Mrlunch · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been awesome watching ESPO go from the streets and alleys of NYC to galleries and now bookstores nationwide. Powers' artwork is so good--low brow, sign painter like with cockiness and swagger, yet at the same time, so on point, sharp, and sincere. Reading Powers descriptions and commentary here makes him even more likable--he comes across as very down to earth, self-depreciating, and confessional. An artist who wants to do good and create good, inspiring stuff.

[Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Espo is what's really really, but I like First and Fifteenth better.