Continuing an art practice for over 25 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 on Whadjuk Noongar boodja, Stephen Armitstead is originally from NSW (country of the Darug and GuriNgai peoples) and studied at COFA, UNSW. Armitstead’s work has been selected for the Mid West Art Prize (2017, 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 he is the Head of Arts at Applecross Senior High School and Chair of the Course Advisory Committee for Upper School Visual Art at Schools Curriculum & Standards Authority (SCSA) WA.