Steve mcqueen: Uncompromising vision

Steve McQueen Static 2009, Tate © Steve McQueen. Courtesy the artist, Thomas Dane Gallery and Marian Goodman Gallery

Arts Editor: Christopher George 

Artist and film maker Steve McQueen is recognised for his vision of story telling. 
Born in london in 1969, his arts take a stark view and project the social and political landscape we live in, in a harsh and direct way. 

Since 2008 McQueen has directed 4 feature films, with his Academy Award-winning ’12 Years a Slave’ portraying the abrupt and brutal reality of slavery in Southern America. 

His first exhibition in London since 1999, brings together works from a 20 year period and are showcased in the current exhibition at the TATE MODERN. Paying close attention to an alertness to sensory feelings and emotions, along with emerging pain and feelings of encapsulation. 

Ghostly appearances, vague and mildly disturbing imagery with uncomfortable situations, immerse your attention while viewing the cinematic film clips. Yet at the same time radiating compassion and tranquility in acceptance of the situation- resulting in an experience where it’s not what you see, it’s what you feel.

Steve McQueen Charlotte 2004 Film still © Steve McQueen. Courtesy the artist, Thomas Dane Gallery and Marian Goodman Gallery

McQueen is a patient observer of feeling, thoughts and human struggles, much like the conscious spirit that’s always observing the inner and outer world. Obsessed with observation and voyeurism, his stories come via spiritual portals, where he is the vessel of communication for the stories of humans. 

McQueen “The fact of the matter is I’m interested in a truth. I cannot put a filter on life. It’s about not blinking”. 

An extraordinary artist of our times, and the only artist to win the TURNER Prize as well as an  Oscar for his feature film works. 

February 13th March - 11th May 2020
Tate Modern
#SteveMcQueenExhibition

Steve McQueen Ashes 2002-2015 Video still © Steve McQueen. Courtesy the artist, Thomas Dane Gallery and Marian Goodman Gallery