A Resplendent Rendering of Stephen Thorpe’s Interiority

By layering visuals of ornate rugs and lush wallpaper into an architectural corner, the British painter reveals the dualities and rhythms of his own introspection.

BY RYAN WADDOUPS
March 30, 2022

Here, we ask an artist to frame the essential details behind one of their latest works.

Bio: Stephen Thorpe, 40, Atlanta (@stephenthorpe15)

Title of work: Boundaries of the Soul.

Where to see it: Denny Dimin Gallery (39 Lispenard St, New York) until April 14.

Three words to describe it: Familiar, nostalgic, awakening.

What was on your mind at the time: I’m usually thinking about where the imagery comes from or what informs the decision to use certain images and their possible symbolic meanings—where the line between the personal and the collective lies.

An interesting feature that’s not immediately noticeable: The viscosity of the paint in the ‘wall’ area—it’s very thick and textured. It’s applied with a squeegee and industrial-sized palette knives.

How it reflects your practice as a whole: The works are still of interior spaces, but a focus on corners has become prevalent over the last couple of years. There is still much to explore within this deceptively simple composition.

One song that captures its essence: I do think about the relationship between the work and music inasmuch as both contain patterns and rhythm and a degree of logical coherence. This relates to the nature of existence: our lives are governed and facilitated by patterns of behavior and the rhythm of our daily lives. It is in part why we gravitate towards music and art. I don’t think there is one song that can capture this.