Ian Stevenson is an artist. Born in Leicester in 1977, he left the midlands for Camberwell Art College in London where he studied Art. Stevenson creates distorted characters murals and alternative slogans, taking his influences from everyday life and the TV. From here he reflects the reality of living in the 21st Century. His exhibitions include shows at prestigious venues, including the Tate Modern and The Royal College of Art. Most recently, his artwork featured on a wall in East London in collaboration with Russell Brand.
"It came about because I did a collaboration with John Dolan, Street Art London asked me to draw on one of his prints, it was actually quite fun. John Dolan's book was published by Random House, the publishers of Russell Brand's new book Revolution. Russell Brand wanted some sort of wall, so the publishers were talking to Street Art London, and they saw stuff that I had done and liked it," says Stevenson.
"It was never about selling the book, we both signed it – I suggested he put his name on it, it didn’t come from him. The wall was just to do something on a revolution theme, it wasn’t forced, didn’t feel like marketing, it was all quite nice and relaxing.
"A lot of the stuff that gets done is really corporate and the graffiti goes too far and tries to please them because they’re going to get paid. The wall was not about selling the book, it was just a chance to do a wall around the theme revolution.
"I read the first few chapters to and I started to get my head into it and it all seems quite logical, pointing out the obvious and how messed up the world is, which fits with my work. I’m always moaning and pointing out, why is this so s**t? So it fits the whole theme of the book.
"It does seem like he’s trying to promote change. I look at the world and think it is good he’s using his celebrity status to point out some of the things that are going on. The wall is a worthy project, not just trying to sell something, something worth doing, so I did it."
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