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About Stephen

Baltimore City

Stephen Towns (Baltimore, MD) is a painter and fiber artist whose work explores how American history influences contemporary American society. Originally from South Carolina, Towns received a Bachelor of Fine Art in painting from the University of South Carolina.

His work has been exhibited at The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, Baltimore Museum of Art, Art+ Practice, The David C. Driskell Center, Jack Shainman’s The School Gallery, and The… more

View Stephen's Resume
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Declaration and Resistance

Declaration & Resistance examines the American dream through the lives of Black Americans from the late 18th century to the present time. Using labor as a backdrop, Towns highlights the role African Americans have played in shaping the economy, and explores their resilience, resistance, and endurance that have challenged the United States to truly embrace the tenets of its Declaration of Independence.
  • I am the Glory
    I am the Glory
    I am the Glory 2020 Acrylic, Oil, Metal Leaf on Panel 36in X 48 in
  • The Educators
    The Educators
    The Educators 2021 Acrylic, Oil, Metal Leaf on Panel 40in x 40in
  • Shaping Up
    Shaping Up
    Shaping Up 2021 Acrylic, Oil, Metal leaf, silver leaf on Panel 36 in x 36 in
  • The Bakers
    The Bakers
    The Bakers 2021 Acrylic, Oil, Metal leaf on Panel 36in x 48in
  • Two Navy Soldiers
    Two Navy Soldiers
    Two Navy Soldiers 2021 Acrylic, Oil, Copper Leaf on Panel 36 in x 36 in
  • Two Roses
    Two Roses
    Two Roses 2021 Acrylic, Oil, Copper Leaf on Panel 30in x 40in
  • Carolina Gold
    Carolina Gold
    Carolina Gold 2021 Acrylic, Oil, Copper and Metal Leaf on Panel 36in x 48in
  • The Workers and the Photographer
    The Workers and the Photographer
    The Workers and the Photographer 2021 Acrylic, Oil, Metal Leaf on Panel 40in x 40in
  • We will be our own leaders
    We will be our own leaders
    We will be our own leaders. 2021 Acrylic, Oil, Metal Leaf, Mica, Glitter, Graphite on Panel 48in x 60in
  • The Parade
    The Parade
    The Parade 2021 Acrylic, Oil, Metal Leaf on Panel 48in x 60in
    •

    • The Night Light Fell from the Sky

    On November 12, 1833, the Leonid meteor shower rained a dazzling array of light all over the night sky. 28 years before the American Civil War, this scene was so spectacular that it incited both fear and wonder all over the world. The paintings and quilts in ‘The Night Light Fell from the Sky’ use this pivotal celestial event as a moment of freedom and revelation for the enslaved people who experienced it at the time.

    This series of quilts revolve around collective thinking. Each quilt features a series of figures observing the meteor shower. The titles and images in each work allude to collective thinking and obstacles a group of people may endure to reach a goal.
    • We shall rest in the space between time
      We shall rest in the space between time
      We shall rest in the space between time. 2019 35in x 46in Natural and synthetic fabric, nylon tulle, polyester and cotton thread, cotton/polyester blend batting, crystal glass beads, metal and resin buttons
    • We shall part the waves through turbulent waters
      We shall part the waves through turbulent waters
      We shall part the waves through turbulent waters. 2019 35in x 46in Natural and synthetic fabric, nylon tulle, polyester and cotton thread, cotton/polyester blend batting, crystal glass beads, resin buttons
    • We shall reap a great harvest
      We shall reap a great harvest
      We shall reap a great harvest. 2019 34.75in x 44.75in Natural and synthetic fabric, nylon tulle, polyester and cotton thread, cotton/polyester blend batting, crystal glass beads, resin buttons
    • We shall find a place of abundance
      We shall find a place of abundance
      We shall find a place of abundance. 2019 34.5in x 44.5in Natural and synthetic fabric, nylon tulle, polyester and cotton thread, cotton/polyester blend batting, crystal glass beads
    • We shall traverse through windy shores
      We shall traverse through windy shores
      We shall traverse through windy shores. 2019 35in x 45.25in Natural and synthetic fabric, nylon tulle, polyester and cotton thread, cotton/polyester blend batting, crystal glass beads
    • We shall become fishers of men
      We shall become fishers of men
      We shall become fishers of men 2019 34in x 45.25in Natural and synthetic fabric, nylon tulle, polyester and cotton thread, cotton/polyester blend batting, crystal glass beads
    •

    • A Songbook Remembered

    African-American spirituals served multiple roles. They could serve as jubilant declarations of faith or songs of protest. A Songbook Remembered is a series of quilts visualizing the layers and messages behind these works of arts.
    • Deep River
      Deep River
      Deep River 2020 39 x 48.5 inches. Natural and synthetic fabric, polyester and cotton thread, crystal glass beads, cowrie shells.
    • All God's Chillun Got Wings
      All God's Chillun Got Wings
      All God's Chillun Got Wings 2020 50.25in x 41.5in Natural and synthetic fabric, polyester and cotton thread, crystal glass and resin beads, metal buttons.
    • Crucifixion
      Crucifixion
      Crucifixion 2020 40.25in x 46.75in Natural and synthetic fabric, polyester and cotton thread, crystal glass and resin beads, resin buttons.
    • Little David Play on Your Harp
      Little David Play on Your Harp
      Little David Play on Your Harp 2020 40.5in x 49n Natural and synthetic fabric, polyester and cotton thread, crystal glass beads, glass and resin buttons.
    • Wade in the Water
      Wade in the Water
      Wade in the Water 2020 39in x 46in Natural and synthetic fabric, polyester and cotton thread, crystal glass beads
    • Go Down Moses
      Go Down Moses
      Go Down Moses 2020 49in x 38in Natural and synthetic fabric, polyester and cotton thread, crystal glass beads, metal buttons
    • Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho
      Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho
      Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho 2020 48in x 37in Natural and synthetic fabric, polyester and cotton thread, crystal glass beads
    • Mary Had a Baby
      Mary Had a Baby
      Mary Had a Baby 2020 47in x 36.75in Natural and synthetic fabric, polyester and cotton thread, crystal glass and resin beads, metal button
    •

    • Harriet Tubman Quilts

    Inspired by the novel Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom by Catherine Clinton, these works  are mythical images narrating pivotal moments in Tubman’s life.

    • I shall find a path before the sun pierces the moon
      I shall find a path before the sun pierces the moon
      2018 Natural and synthetic fiber, glass beads, metallic buttons 65in x 53in
    • And I shall smite thee
      And I shall smite thee
      2018 46in x 58in Natural and synthetic fiber, glass beads, metallic buttons
    • We Will Part Ways
      We Will Part Ways
      We Will Part Ways 2019 35.5in x 48in Natural and synthetic fabric, nylon tulle, polyester and cotton thread, cotton batting, crystal glass beads, resin buttons
    • And the Lord shall cast a spell
      And the Lord shall cast a spell
      And the Lord shall cast a spell 2019 35.5in x 48in Natural and synthetic fabric, nylon tulle, polyester and cotton thread, cotton batting
    • We Shall Pass through the Combahee
      We Shall Pass through the Combahee
      We Shall Pass through the Combahee 2019 45.25inx 62.5i Natural and synthetic fabric, nylon tulle, polyester and cotton thread, metallic thread, crystal glass beads, buttons
    • Burning The House Down
      Burning The House Down
      Burning The House Down 2020 49in x 36.5in Natural and synthetic fabric, nylon tulle, polyester and cotton thread, metallic thread, crystal glass beads, buttons
    •

    • Story Quilts

    My story quilts narrate the life of Nat Turner and his 1831 rebellion.
    • Birth of a Nation
      Birth of a Nation
      2014 Fiber 5.5'x7.5'
    • Special Child
      Special Child
      2016 Fiber, Glass Beads 36.5"x29"
    • The Prophet
      The Prophet
      2016 Fiber, Glass Beads 37"x28.5"
    • One Night at Cabin Pond
      One Night at Cabin Pond
      2016 Fiber, Glass Beads 35"x28.5"
    • Baptism of Ethelred T Brantley
      Baptism of Ethelred T Brantley
      2018 29.5'' x 40'' Fiber, glass beads, buttons
    • The Revolt
      The Revolt
      2016 Fiber, Glass Beads 34.5"x27"
    • March to Jerusalem
      March to Jerusalem
      2018 30'' x 38'' Fiber, glass beads, buttons
    • Black Sun
      Black Sun
      2016 Fiber Glass Beads 35"x27"
    • Let No Man Put Asunder-Portrait of Nat Turner
      Let No Man Put Asunder-Portrait of Nat Turner
      2018 30'' x 24'' Fiber, glass beads, buttons
    • Let No Man Put Asunder-Portrait of Cherry
      Let No Man Put Asunder-Portrait of Cherry
      2018 30'' x 24'' Fiber, glass beads, buttons
    •

    • Sunken

    Sunken is a series of portraits on paper inspired by my research about the Zong massacre of 1781 in which 133 slaves were killed by their British slave ship crew. These works are a testament to the resilience of the Africans who survived the Middle Passage.
    • Sunken: The Captured
      Sunken: The Captured
      Sunken: The Captured Acrylic, Fiber, and Copper Leaf on Paper 16” x 20” 2017
    • Sunken: The Crew
      Sunken: The Crew
      Sunken: The Crew Acrylic, Fiber, and Copper Leaf on Paper 16” x 20” 2017
    • Sunken: The Crossing
      Sunken: The Crossing
      Sunken: The Crossing Acrylic, Fiber, and Copper Leaf on Paper 16” x 20” 2017
    • Sunken: The Cargo
      Sunken: The Cargo
      Sunken: The Cargo Acrylic, Fiber, and Copper Leaf on Paper 16” x 20” 2017
    • Sunken: The River
      Sunken: The River
      Sunken: The River Acrylic, Fiber, and Copper Leaf on Paper 16” x 20” 2017
    • Sunken: The Trial
      Sunken: The Trial
      Sunken: The Trial Acrylic, Fiber, and Copper Leaf on Paper 16” x 20” 2017
    •

    • The Gift of Lineage

    In The Gift of Lineage, I’ve incorporated fabric collected in the US and Ghana. This series examines the power of uncovering the past in order to create a prosperous and more certain future.
    • The Gift of Lineage 1
      The Gift of Lineage 1
      2018 24” x 36” Acrylic, Bristol board, metal leaf, natural and synthetic fabric, polyester and cotton thread on wood panel
    • The Gift of Lineage 2
      The Gift of Lineage 2
      2018 24” x 36” Acrylic, Bristol board, metal leaf, natural and synthetic fabric, polyester and cotton thread on wood panel
    • The Gift of Lineage 3
      The Gift of Lineage 3
      2018 24” x 36” Acrylic, Bristol board, metal leaf, natural and synthetic fabric, polyester and cotton thread on wood panel
    • The Gift of Lineage 4
      The Gift of Lineage 4
      2018 24” x 36” Acrylic, Bristol board, metal leaf, natural and synthetic fabric, polyester and cotton thread on wood panel
    • The Gift of Lineage 5
      The Gift of Lineage 5
      2018 24” x 36” Acrylic, Bristol board, metal leaf, natural and synthetic fabric, polyester and cotton thread on wood panel
    • The Gift of Lineage 6
      The Gift of Lineage 6
      2018 24” x 36” Acrylic, Bristol board, metal leaf, natural and synthetic fabric, polyester and cotton thread on wood panel
    • The Gift of Lineage 7
      The Gift of Lineage 7
      2018 24” x 36” Acrylic, Bristol board, metal leaf, natural and synthetic fabric, polyester and cotton thread on wood panel
    • The Gift of Lineage 8
      The Gift of Lineage 8
      2018 24” x 36” Acrylic, Bristol board, metal leaf, natural and synthetic fabric, polyester and cotton thread on wood panel
    •

    • An Offering

    An Offering draws inspiration from Marcus Rediker’s 2007 book The Slave Ship: A Human History. The eight works pay homage to the many West African people who were uprooted from their families and forced to endure the brutality of the Middle Passage. The shape of each work mimics the diagram of the 18th century British slave ship the Brookes. The figures and shadows in each work represent the multitude of unknown Africans who were captured and forced to live an uncertain future shaped by their captors. The hands holding candles in each work are an offering to these ancestors in a gesture of gratitude and solace. 
    • An Offering 1
      An Offering 1
      2018 16” x 49” Acrylic and oil paint, graphite,Bristol board,metal leaf,natural and synthetic fabric, nylon tulle,polyester and cotton thread,and crystal glass beads on wood panel
    • An Offering 2
      An Offering 2
      2018 16” x 49” Acrylic and oil paint, graphite,Bristol board,metal leaf,natural and synthetic fabric, nylon tulle,polyester and cotton thread,and crystal glass beads on wood panel
    • An Offering 3.
      An Offering 3.
      2018 16” x 49” Acrylic and oil paint, graphite,Bristol board,metal leaf,natural and synthetic fabric, nylon tulle,polyester and cotton thread,and crystal glass beads on wood panel
    • An Offering 4
      An Offering 4
      2018 16” x 49” Acrylic and oil paint, graphite,Bristol board,metal leaf,natural and synthetic fabric, nylon tulle,polyester and cotton thread,and crystal glass beads on wood panel
    • An Offering 5
      An Offering 5
      2018 16” x 49” Acrylic and oil paint, graphite,Bristol board,metal leaf,natural and synthetic fabric, nylon tulle,polyester and cotton thread,and crystal glass beads on wood panel
    • An Offering 6
      An Offering 6
      2018 16” x 49” Acrylic and oil paint, graphite, Bristol board,metal leaf, natural and synthetic fabric, nylon tulle, polyester and cotton thread, and crystal glass beads on wood panel
    • An Offering 7
      An Offering 7
      2018 16” x 49” Acrylic and oil paint, graphite, Bristol board,metal leaf, natural and synthetic fabric, nylon tulle, polyester and cotton thread, and crystal glass beads on wood panel
    • An Offering 8
      An Offering 8
      2018 16” x 49” Acrylic and oil paint, graphite, Bristol board,metal leaf, natural and synthetic fabric, nylon tulle, polyester and cotton thread, and crystal glass beads on wood panel
    •

    • Find Me a Constellation

    Find Me A Constellation delves into to lives of children who experienced American slavery. Models for the portraits were sourced from archived images of enslaved children. Because the harsh realities of slavery may be inescapable, the only way to find internal peace was through daydreaming and the stars.
    • He Leadeth Me Beside the Still Waters
      He Leadeth Me Beside the Still Waters
      He Leadeth Me Beside the Still Waters 2016 Acrylic Oil Metal Leaf Bristol Board on Panel 12x12
    • He Restoreth My Soul
      He Restoreth My Soul
      He Restoreth My Soul 2016 Acrylic Oil Metal Leaf Bristol Board on Panel 12"x12"
    • I Fear No Evil
      I Fear No Evil
      2016 Acrylic Oil Metal Leaf Bristol Board on Panel 12x12
    • I Shall Not Want
      I Shall Not Want
      2016 Acrylic Oil Metal Leaf Bristol Board on Panel 12x12
    • I Will Dwell in the House of the Lord Forever
      I Will Dwell in the House of the Lord Forever
      2016 Acrylic Oil Metal Leaf Bristol Board on Panel 12"x12"
    • My Cup Runneth Over
      My Cup Runneth Over
      2016 Acrylic Oil Metal Leaf Bristol Board on Panel 12"x12"
    •

    • Black Magic

    Black Magic examines the role religion has played throughout American history. The figures represent the Nat and Cherry Turner and how they use religion to escape the bonds of slavery, both real and imagined.
    • God's Ways are Mysterious
      God's Ways are Mysterious
      2016 Acrylic, Oil, Metal Leaf on Canvas 24"x30"
    • The Righteous and the Wise, and their Works are in the Hand of God
      The Righteous and the Wise, and their Works are in the Hand of God
      2016 Acrylic, Oil, Metal Leaf on Canvas 40"x30"
    • All is Vanity
      All is Vanity
      2016 Acrylic, Oil, Metal Leaf on Canvas 36"x36"
    • Whoso Keepeth the Commandment Shall Feel No Evil Thing
      Whoso Keepeth the Commandment Shall Feel No Evil Thing
      2016 Acrylic Oil Metal Leaf on Canvas 40"x30"
    • No Remembrance of Things to Come
      No Remembrance of Things to Come
      2016 Acrylic Oil Metal Leaf on Canvas 33"x28"
    •