Russell Young
Canadian
Russell Young is a British-American artist renowned for his large silkscreen paintings that draw inspiration from recent history and popular culture. His diverse artistic repertoire includes painting, screen printing, sculpture, installations, and film.
Born on March 13, 1959, Young studied photography, film, and graphic design at the University of Chester before furthering his education at Exeter College of Art and Design. Initially gaining recognition for his photography, which captured iconic figures and moments in music and culture, Young later transitioned to painting. He moved to New York City in 2000, where he began focusing exclusively on his art.
Young's artwork has been exhibited internationally, including at prestigious venues such as Scope/Basel in Switzerland and Art Miami in Florida. He currently resides and works in both New York and California.
In his artistic journey, Young has explored various themes and techniques. He began with "Combine Paintings," assemblages of collage, found objects, and street graffiti. He later embarked on his renowned "Pig Portraits" series, featuring bold, colorful silkscreen portraits of iconic figures like Sid Vicious, Elvis Presley, and Jane Fonda.
Following the events of 9/11, Young returned to California and began incorporating diamond dust into his paintings, creating a series titled "Dirty Pretty Things." This technique added a unique sparkle to his images, enhancing their visual impact.
In 2010, Young faced a life-threatening illness that profoundly impacted his artistic direction. This experience led him to explore themes of trauma and its effects, resulting in series like "Helter Skelter," which abstractly portrays the violence of the 1968 Rolling Stones Altamont Free Concert.
Young's charitable endeavors include supporting The Art Of Elysium, an organization that empowers artists and communities through art. In 2016, he received the Spirit of Elysium award for his charitable contributions.
In 2018, the Modern Art Museum Shanghai hosted "Russell Young Superstar," a comprehensive survey of his work, including his 5-year project "West," marking a significant milestone in his artistic career.
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