Continuing an art practice for over 20 years, Stephen Armitstead works with experimental installation, video, photo-media, architecture, objects, interactive elements, and sound. Armitstead’s work concentrates on playful interrogation of process and unconventional use of materials and he creates elaborate setups that are moments extracted for observation, contemplation and to various levels, understanding. The viewer does not so much complete the work as exist alongside it for a time. Aesthetically post minimalist, his work is conceptually tied to a metaphysical resonance of object, space and action. In his practice, inspiration comes from lived experience and observations of society.
Now based in Western Australia, Stephen Armitstead is originally from New South Wales and studied at COFA, UNSW. Armitstead’s work has been selected for the Mid West Art Prize (2015) and for the Joondalup Invitational Art Award (2010, 2012). He has collaborated on site-specific temporary artworks for the City of Fremantle (2013) and for the City of Subiaco (2011). Currently in a 6 month residency at Fremantle Arts Centre (Jan – June 2017), Armitstead continues to work with process both inside and outside of the studio space. In a recent exhibition at the FELTspace gallery, Adelaide, lines of inquiry include architectural features of the gallery space and time-based work contextual to South Australia.
