Mary-Ann Stevens
Artist Bio
Mary-Ann Stevens work has an edgy, semi-autobiographical narrative, which explores identity and the representation and social expectations of gender. It is characterised by off-beat humour which belies a sense of melancholy.
Her work spans painting, performance and sculpture. The crude, bumpy, construction of my papier-mâché sculptures displays a childlike playfulness. The quirky, grotesque characters I create are odd and unconventional, with a vulnerability that engages the viewer.
Mary-Ann Stevens holds a Graduate Diploma in Fine Art and completed her Masters of Fine Art at Chelsea College of Art, London in 2021. Her work has been shown in London, Margate, and closer to home at, the Ferens in Hull, and Scarborough Art Gallery. In 2024 she had her first solo show at the Old Parcels Office in Scarborough. She has recently been selected as finalist for the SCAF 2025 Emerging Artist Award. Mary-Ann moved to Scarborough in 2021 where she has a studio at the Old Parcels Office Artspace.
Selected Work
Name: Party TimeParty Time reflects on our need to let our hair down and having a good time.
The painting/cutout is based on a photo from the 1930s when constructing skyscrapers became a strong drive, and the competition to build the world’s tallest building was fierce. I used this image as a symbol of human desire. I replaced the ridiculous-looking hats in the photo with more recent tall buildings, indicating ongoing development and devastation to our environment, using a lone frog to represent nature.
Medium: Mixed Media/Cutout on board (framed)
Size: 66cm x 86cm framed, (60cm x 80cm unframed)
Year: 2024