Adele Stephenson’s work delves into the fragile balance between outward appearances and inner truths, exploring the tension between the physical body and the enigmatic, intangible self. Through painting and collage, Stephenson aims to capture the complexities of human expression, portraying gestures, faces, and poses that simultaneously conceal and reveal the essence of character.
In this series, Stephenson examined the sensitive interplay between individuals, their environments, and the challenges of daily life. Her pieces reflect the ceaseless motion of the spiritual and physical body, rendered in states of hysteria, discord, and transformation.
Focusing primarily on women, Stephenson’s work investigates the dualities of openness and concealment, examining how identity, sexuality, and the body intersect. These depictions invite viewers to consider their own role in perceiving and consuming the identities of others, while navigating the often-unseen realities that lie beneath the surface.
