Steven Shearer was born in 1968 in New Westminster, Canada. He is a contemporary artist, and is well-known for his various photo collages, paintings, drawings, and even poems. He studied art at the NASCAD New York Summer Studio Program in 1991 and moved on to pursue an art degree at Emily Carr in Vancouver in 1992.
Shearer’s work focuses on themes of teen rebellion and angst, often shining a light on and sometimes criticizing the suburban youth culture of the 1970s. Through this work, he “explores the delicate rock patriarchy” (“Steven Shearer,” 2019). Much of his work is inspired by the heavy metal and rock music of the time, likely due to the fact that Shearer was an amateur musician when he was younger. His two-dimensional works are often figurative, with many of his subjects sporting long hair or the grunge style. His art varies greatly, featuring vivid neon, muted, and monochromatic colors.
Shearer’s art has been described as a representation of cultural detritus by critics, and he often portrays his subjects in a style reminiscent of Edvard Munch and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (“Steven Shearer,” n.d.). Rather than finding inspiration in the optimism of the amateur rockstars and teenage dreamers, Shearer instead finds it in their downfall. The world of Shearer’s work features alienation and repulsion towards mainstream culture, and attempts to reveal teenage vulnerabilities and anxieties. His art is often interpreted as representative of a morbid and misogynistic spirit, but Shearer himself considers the genre’s culture “compensatory for the working class upbringing in the lives of his mostly white audience” (“Steven Shearer,” 2019).
While still a passionate artist, Shearer avoids talking about his work, as he considers it to be a solitary experience. He states that, “I like that there is an audience for it and that people can relate to it; but I kind of hope that it all speaks for itself” (“Interview with Steven Shearer,” 2017). Shearer seemingly breaks the mold, as many other Canadian artists instead portray the fantastic scenery of the country. He is aware of this, and instead wishes to get individuals to relate to his art rather than make something specifically Canadian (“Interview with Steven Shearer,” 2017). When asked about his work, Shearer has stated that he is interested in making art that explores how the past is remembered and idealized. He has stated that the figures in his work are likely androgynous due to his interest in fashion and how people stylize themselves for the outside world. It also reflects his approach to making art, as it represents the fluid spirit of creativity (“Interview with Steven Shearer,” 2017).
Sources
“Interview with Steven Shearer.” The White Review, October 11, 2017. https://www.thewhitereview.org/feature/interview-with-steven-shearer/.
“Steven Shearer – Biography, Exhibitions, and Art on ARTUNER.” ARTUNER, November 5, 2019. https://www.artuner.com/artists/steven-shearer/.
“Steven Shearer.” Steven Shearer – 6 Artworks, Bio & Shows on Artsy. Accessed March 12, 2021. https://www.artsy.net/artist/steven-shearer.
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Shearer has quite a unique attitude that clearly manifests in his art. I am intrigued with the amount of ambiguity in his pieces and his purpose. The androgynous faces and vague facial expressions leave a lot up to the viewer. Even the purpose, of “leaving it up to the viewer” is intriguing. I find a sense of a “breath of fresh air” with his style. It breaks the mold without having to state that it is breaking the mold. Instead of giving answers, the questions are left to be answered by the viewer, or remain unanswered.
-Elizabeth Case
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