Stuart Semple

{{Short description|British artist (born 1980)}} {{Use British English|date=January 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2014}} {{Infobox artist | image = Stuart Semple portrait by Mayhar Malhotra, 2025.jpg | caption = Stuart Semple in 2025 | birth_name = Stuart Buchanan Semple | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1980|09|12}} | birth_place = Bournemouth, Dorset, England | field = Painting, sculpture, installation | movement = Contemporary art | training = Bournemouth and Poole College: Painting and Printmaking; Bretton Hall College: Fine Art | website = [https://stuartsemple.com/ stuartsemple.com] }}

'''Anish Kapoor'''{{efn|Semple changed his name in 2024. He is still commonly referred to by his birth name.<ref name="name change" />}} (born '''Stuart Buchanan Semple''', 12{{nbsp}}September 1980) is a British artist and activist who works with sculpture and painting.<ref name=FT>Hayes, David (2013).[https://www.ft.com/content/6a54be82-35b3-11e3-b539-00144feab7de Financial Times 'Personal style: Stuart Semple'], "Financial Times", October 2014. Retrieved 27 May 2014.</ref><ref name="aesthetica">Fairweather, Shona (2007). [http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/stuart-semple-2 Aesthetica Magazine "Stuart Semple 80s Influences & Popular Youth Culture"], "Aesthetica Magazine", October 2007. Retrieved 1 June 2014.</ref>

==Life and career== right|thumbnail|Stuart Semple, HappyClouds

Semple was born in Bournemouth, Dorset. He studied art and design at Bournemouth and Poole College, and painting and printmaking at Bretton Hall College in Yorkshire.<ref name="FT" /><ref>[http://wwwnotes2.leeds.ac.uk/cuttings.nsf/ca19a58d66951b21802570980070beb6/fbd863ad29762d2980256ed600341316?OpenDocument "Bretton Hall press section"]{{dead link|date=December 2017|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}, ''University of Leeds'', 18 July 2004. Retrieved from leeds.ac.uk, 21 April 2008.</ref> He first wanted to become an artist after his mother took him to see Van Gogh's Sunflowers at the age of 7.<ref>{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Dominic |url=https://www.soundspheremag.com/features/interview-stuart-semple/ |title=Interview: Stuart Semple |work=Soundsphere Magazine |date=2011-07-16 |access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref><ref name="artinfo">Agnew Mary (2012)[http://de.blouinartinfo.com/news/story/760477/stuart-semple-on-how-it%E2%80%99s-hard-to-be-a-saint-in-the-city "Stuart Semple on How It's Hard to be a Saint in the City"] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20150131134816/http://de.blouinartinfo.com/news/story/760477/stuart-semple-on-how-it%E2%80%99s-hard-to-be-a-saint-in-the-city|date=31 January 2015}} "ARTINFO China", 17 February 2012. Retrieved 31 January 2015.</ref> In 2000, after a life-threatening allergic reaction, he decided to pursue a career as an artist.<ref name="Spoonfed">{{cite web |last=Jeffreys |first=Tom |url=http://www.spoonfed.co.uk/spooners/tom-699/mental-health-and-art-as-therapy-an-interview-with-stuart-semple-5820 |title=Mental Health and Art as Therapy – an interview with Stuart Semple |work=Spoonfed |date=2011-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201215831/http://www.spoonfed.co.uk/spooners/tom-699/mental-health-and-art-as-therapy-an-interview-with-stuart-semple-5820/ |archive-date=2012-02-01 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/talking-about-mental-health-with-stuart-semple/#.U4SUfZRdVg8 "Talking about mental health with Stuart Semple"], Mind, 6 March 2014. Retrieved from Mind.org 27 May 2014.</ref> He later referenced the electrocardiography flatline he experienced in a 2010 painting.<ref name="standard" />

In 2002 he had his first major London solo exhibition, "Stolen Language – the art of Nancyboy"'','' at the A&D Gallery.<ref name="marylebone">Finney, (2012) [http://marylebonejournal.com/style/sewing-seeds "Sewing seeds – Artist Stuart Semple on his collaboration with Aubin & Wills"] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20150115143911/http://marylebonejournal.com/style/sewing-seeds|date=15 January 2015}}, "Marylebone Journal", December 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.aanddgallery.com/pages/history.html# A&D exhibition list], "aanddgallery.com". Retrieved 3 December 2011.</ref> In 2009, he auctioned off Nancyboy-themed artworks to raise funds for the UK charity Mind, after his grandmother was diagnosed with schizophrenia.<ref name="irishtimes">Dunne, Aidan (2014) [http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/cloudy-with-a-chance-of-artistic-smiley-faces-1.1643705?page=3 "Stuart Semple, Cloudy with a chance of artistic smiley faces"], "The Irish Times", 6 January 2014. Retrieved 13 May 2014.</ref><ref>[http://www.voltcafe.com/blog/keep-it-semple Volt Magazine "Keep It Semple"]. Retrieved 15 June 2010.</ref> After the 2004 Momart warehouse fire, he was commissioned to create a memorial with the debris, titled ''Burn Baby Burn''.<ref name="artnewspaper" /><ref>Edwardes, Charlotte (2004). [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1467257/New-art-rises-from-wreckage-of-warehouse.html Daily Telegraph "New art rises from wreckage of warehouse,"] ''Daily Telegraph'', 18 July 2004. Retrieved 2 July 2007.</ref> In 2005, Semple produced an exhibition in East London, titled ''Post Pop Paradise''. Also that year he placed a painting he created at the Saatchi Gallery, avoiding security in doing so, as a protest against comments Charles Saatchi made.<ref>[https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/arts/4653189.stm "Artist protests at Saatchi show"], BBC online, 5 July 2005. Retrieved 2 July 2007.</ref><ref>Reynolds, Nigel (2005). [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/07/06/nsaat06.xml Daily Telegraph "Saatchi rumbles protest painting"]{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, ''The Daily Telegraph'', 6 July 2005. Retrieved 2 July 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article540743.ece "Artist protests at Saatchi show,"]{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} ''The Times'', 6 July 2005. Retrieved 2 July 2007.</ref><ref>Leitch, Luke. "Brit painter in protest at 'banned' Saatchi art", ''Evening Standard'', 5 July 2005.</ref>

In 2006 Semple's exhibition "Epiphany" at Martin Summers Fine Art in London questioned the role of religion in modern life<ref>[http://stuartsemple.com/press/popupz/artnewspaperon.html "What's On"], "Art Newspaper", April 2006. Retrieved 17 December 2011.</ref> in a series of in-your-face paintings that alluded to popular culture, graphic media, advertising and social issues.<ref name="gleadell">Gleadell, Colin (2006). [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2006/04/04/bamarket04.xml "Market news: Mark Rothko, Tyeb Mehta and more..."]{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, ''Daily Telegraph'', 4 April 2006. Retrieved 2 July 2007.</ref>

Semple began posting drawings he created on eBay in 1999.<ref name="aesthetica3">Federico, Cherie (2010) [http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/stuart-semple Aesthetica Magazine "Stuart Semple Popular Culture and the Aesthetic Discourse"] "Aesthetica Magazine" 1 April 2010. Retrieved 1 July 2014.</ref><ref name="wonderland">Mills, Jack (2012).[http://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2012/06/stuart-semple-post-adolescent-idealistic-phase/ "STUART SEMPLE: Post Adolescent Idealistic Phase"], "Wonderland Magazine", 14 June 2012. Retrieved 27 May 2014.</ref> In 2012, he published an extended play on iTunes featuring paintings and a short film.<ref>{{Citation |title=Exit - EP by Stuart Semple |url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/exit-ep/498261274 |access-date=2019-11-25}}</ref><ref name="ICA">{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20140527215951/https://www.ica.org.uk/video/culture-now-stuart-semple-conversation-josh-spero "Culture Now: Stuart Semple in Conversation with Josh Spero"]}} Institute of Contemporary Arts 13 November 2013. Retrieved 27 May 2014.</ref> In 2013, he created Jump, a 10 by 10m bouncy cloud trampoline, for Australia's Federation Square's public art programme.<ref>{{cite web |title=JUMP - Federation Square |url=http://www.fedsquare.com/events/jump |website=www.fedsquare.com}}</ref> In 2014, his exhibition "Anxiety Generation" was featured in Tatler magazine.<ref>[http://www.tatler.com/bystander/events/2014/november/stuart-semples-private-view#!/15675/image/1 "Stuart Semple's private view"] "Tatler",18 November 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2015</ref> That same year, he joined talent agency Next Management.<ref name="artnewspaper2">Ruiz, Cristina (2013). [http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Move-over-galleries-artists-sign-with-agents/28561 "Move over galleries: artists sign with agents – Stuart Semple joins an agency"] ''Art Newspaper'', February 2013. Retrieved 8 May 2014.</ref> He has also been featured on the BBC,<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueA3YLs_6Dc "Stuart Semple Blue Peter Happy Clouds"], YouTube, 6 August 2009. Retrieved 10 January 2014.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120211052514/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b016byvh "Matt, Beth, Tim and Ashby are four GCSE Art students from Essex. Brit artist Stuart Semple visits their school to see how they turn their ideas into great pieces of art."], BBC, 20 October 2011. Retrieved 27 October 2011.</ref><ref name="bbc.co.uk">[https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01z4mz0 "Stuart Semple – Introduction"], BBC, 21 May 2014. Retrieved 23 August 2014.</ref> and has spoken at the Institute of Contemporary Arts<ref name="ICA" /><ref>[http://joshspero.com/2013/11/27/stuart-semple-interviewed-by-josh-spero-at-the-ica/ "Stuart Semple Interviewed by Josh Spero at The ICA"], "Joshspero.com "27 November 2011. Retrieved 10 January 2015.</ref> and Amnesty International.<ref>{{cite web |title=Making Noise For Mental Health Tonight |url=http://www.amnesty.ie/news/making-noise-mental-health-tonight |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140624022146/http://amnesty.ie/news/making-noise-mental-health-tonight |archive-date=24 June 2014 |website=Amnesty.ie}}</ref>

In 2004, art dealer Anthony d'Offay flew Semple's portfolio to be shown in New York City.<ref name="artnewspaper">Buck, Louisa (2004). [http://www.stuartsemple.com/press/artnewspaper.htm "Bending The Momart Wreckage"], ''The Art Newspaper'', September 2004. Retrieved 24 May 2008.</ref> A 2007 solo exhibition saw $1 million sales within the first five minutes.<ref name="standard">Hoggard, Liz, (2010) [https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/health/stuart-semple-with-my-53-allergies-im-afraid-to-swallow-6463862.html "Stuart Semple 'I'm Afraid To Swallow'"], ''Evening Standard'', 28 April 2010. Retrieved 1 May 2010.</ref> In 2013, a London exhibition had presales to a charitable foundation of $1 million.<ref name="fad">Westall, Mark (2013). {{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20131027074442/http://www.fadwebsite.com/2013/10/24/stuart-semple-suspend-disbelief-grosses-over-1-million/ "Stuart Semple, Suspend Disbelief Grosses over $1 Million"]}}, "FAD", October 2013. Retrieved 8 May 2014.</ref> That same year, he was featured in The Guardian's list of Ten Best Art Auctions.<ref name="guardianauction">Hazelton, Claire (2013).[https://www.theguardian.com/culture/gallery/2013/may/25/10-best-art-auctions-in-pictures#/?picture=409446149&index=8 "The 10 Best Art Auctions"] "The Guardian", 25 May 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2014.</ref> In 2015, he created a colouring book for adults to raise funds for Mind.<ref>Semple, Stuart (2015) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Happy-Colouring-Flip-Book-anti-stress/dp/1513600435 "My Happy Colouring Flip Book"], Amazon.co.uk, 2 July 2015.</ref>

Since 2011, Semple has regularly collaborated with the rock band Officers, which has included producing record artwork, installations, and music videos with the band.<ref>{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Dominic |title=Artist Stuart Semple collaborates with Leeds band Officers |url=https://www.soundspheremag.com/news/leeds/artist-stuart-semple-collaborates-with-leeds-band-officers/ |work=Soundsphere Magazine |date=19 July 2011}}</ref> From 2023 to 2025, Semple ran a Kickstarter project called Abode to recreate Adobe projects, that raised £181,709 from 3,031 backers. The project failed.<ref>PetaPixel, 2025. [https://petapixel.com/2025/06/19/two-years-later-abodes-anti-adobe-dream-remains-unrealized/ "Two Years Later, Abode's Anti-Adobe Dream Remains Unrealized"]</ref>

=== Performance art === In 2016, Semple came into conflict with the artist Anish Kapoor when Kapoor acquired exclusive artistic rights to the super-black material Vantablack.<ref name="theguardian.com">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2016/sep/26/anish-kapoor-vantablack-art-architecture-exclusive-rights-to-the-blackest-black|title={{-'}}You could disappear into it': Anish Kapoor on his exclusive rights to the 'blackest black'|first=Brigid|last=Delaney|newspaper=The Guardian |date=26 September 2016}}</ref> He released a paint titled "PINK – the world's pinkest pink paint", banning Kapoor from purchasing the paint.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 December 2016 |title=The war over the world's pinkest pink is getting ridiculous |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/anish-kapoor-pinkest-pink-blackest-black-paint-war-a7497751.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220525/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/anish-kapoor-pinkest-pink-blackest-black-paint-war-a7497751.html |archive-date=25 May 2022 |work=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sisley |first=Dominique |date=13 February 2017 |title=Artist takes on Anish Kapoor with 'Better Black' paint |url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/artsandculture/article/34693/1/artist-takes-on-anish-kapoor-with-better-black-paint |work=Dazed}}</ref>

In June 2024, Semple officially changed his name to Anish Kapoor.<ref name="name change">{{Cite web |last=Cascone |first=Sarah |date=2024-10-31 |title=Stuart Semple Has Changed His Name to Anish Kapoor |url=https://news.artnet.com/art-world/stuart-semple-changed-name-anish-kapoor-2560653?amp=1 |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=Artnet News}}</ref> In a later interview with Charles Saatchi, Semple stated that his dispute with Anish Kapoor had ended and that he had resumed using the name Stuart Semple.<ref>{{cite news |last=Small |first=Kate |title=Dorset Art Weeks 2026 returns – what to expect |url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/25869833.dorset-art-weeks-2026-returns-expect/ |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=20 February 2026 |access-date=2026-04-29 }}</ref>

In 2021, Semple released a pigment called ''TIFF Blue'', aiming to "democratise" Tiffany Blue, a shade of blue trademarked by Tiffany & Co.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Mark |title=Tiffany has guarded its iconic blue color for decades. Now, anyone can buy it |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90680187/tiffany-has-guarded-its-iconic-blue-color-for-decades-now-anyone-can-buy-it |website=Fast Company |access-date=15 October 2023}}</ref> The same year, he also released a pigment called Incredibly Kleinish Blue with a similar intention of democratising International Klein Blue, which is patented by Yves Klein.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://culturehustle.com/products/easyklein?variant=39363839262878|title=INCREDIBLY KLEINISH BLUE ACRYLIC PAINT|website=Culture Hustle USA|access-date=2023-01-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-26 |title=Not Calvin, not Yves – Easy Klein is the latest pigment to democratise colour from artist Stuart Semple |url=https://www.creativeboom.com/resources/easy-klein-from-artist-stuart-semple/ |access-date=2023-10-15 |website=Creative Boom}}</ref> In 2023, Semple released a pigment called ''Pinkie'', aiming to democratise Barbie Pink.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Avi-Yonah |first=Shera |date=2023-07-24 |title=He's tried to 'liberate' colors for years. His latest: the 'Barbiest pink.{{'-}} |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2023/07/20/stuart-semple-barbie-pink-paint/ |access-date=2023-10-15 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cascone |first=Sarah |date=2023-07-17 |title=Artist Stuart Semple Is Releasing a 'Barbie-Ish,' Ultra-Fluorescent Pink Paint to Protest Mattel's Trademark on the Color |url=https://news.artnet.com/art-world/stuart-semple-color-wars-battle-mattel-barbie-pink-2337802 |access-date=2023-10-15 |website=Artnet News}}</ref>

==== Freetone ==== thumb|FREETONE colours swatch

'''Freetone''' (or Sempletone) is an Adobe plugin, created by Semple in 2022 in response to the licensing fallout between Pantone and Adobe Inc.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Stokel-Walker |first=Chris |title=Adobe Just Held a Bunch of Colors Hostage |url=https://www.wired.com/story/adobe-pantone-color-subscription-fee/ |magazine=Wired |issn=1059-1028 |access-date=2023-08-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=FREETONE - Pantone-ish colour palette for Adobe products by Stuart Semple |url=https://culturehustle.com/products/freetone |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Culture Hustle}}</ref> Freetone is a collection of 1,280 colours that mimic the Pantone colour palette with a similar set of number codes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeFisher |first=Alison |date=2022-12-12 |title=Pantone colors have disappeared in Adobe |url=https://stridecreative.com/what-to-do-when-your-pantone-colors-disappear-in-2023/ |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=Stride Creative Group}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Francis |first=Jo |title=Pantone alternatives mooted |url=https://www.printweek.com/content/product-news/pantone-alternatives-mooted |access-date=2026-04-28 |work=Printweek |date=7 November 2022}}</ref> Semple barred any employees and associates of Adobe or Pantone from buying, using or downloading Freetone.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web |last=List |first=Jenny |date=2022-11-16 |title=Interview: Stuart Semple On Pantone, Freetone, Colour, And Open Source |url=https://hackaday.com/2022/11/16/interview-stuart-semple-on-pantone-freetone-colour-and-open-source/ |access-date=2023-08-13 |work=Hackaday}}</ref>

==Activism== thumb|"''A POUNDING OUTSIDE POUNDLAND (or how my nose got its wonk)''", 2010

Semple has supported Amnesty International and has created artworks for the Freedom of Expression Campaign.<ref name="harpers">{{cite web |last=Hirschmiller |first=Stephanie |url=http://www.harpersbazaar.co.uk/fashion/fashion-news/stuart-semple-amnesty-boxpark-pop-up-001 |title=Write On! Artist Stuart Semple does it in a Box(park) for Amnesty International |work=Harper's Bazaar |date=2011-12-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812224140/http://www.harpersbazaar.co.uk/fashion/fashion-news/stuart-semple-amnesty-boxpark-pop-up-001 |archive-date=2014-08-12 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2011, Semple was made an ambassador for mental health charity Mind.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mind.org.uk/news/5619_britain_s_top_artists_rally_together_for_mind_fundraising_exhibition |title=Britain's top artists rally together for Mind fundraising exhibition |work=Mind |date=2011-09-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120142321/https://www.mind.org.uk/news/5619_britain_s_top_artists_rally_together_for_mind_fundraising_exhibition/ |archive-date=2013-01-20 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He initiated the Creative Therapies fund within the organisation which he launched with Stephen Fry and Melvyn Bragg and curated the exhibition "Mindful",<ref>[http://mindfulofart.com/] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304073321/http://mindfulofart.com/|date=4 March 2013}} "Mindful Exhibition"</ref> which included works from Jake & Dinos Chapman, Mat Collishaw, Tracey Emin, Mona Hatoum, Sarah Lucas and Sebastian Horsley.<ref>Gosling, Emily (2011) [http://www.designweek.co.uk/home/blog/semple-minds/3029640.article "Semple Minds"], "Design Week", 31 August 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.</ref> He has since launched a number of fundraising art projects for Mind.<ref name="hunger">{{cite web |last=Khan |first=Karim |url=http://www.hungertv.com/feature/the-interview-stuart-semple |title=The Interview: Stuart Semple |work=Hunger |date=2013-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924032114/http://www.hungertv.com/feature/the-interview-stuart-semple |archive-date=2015-09-24 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[http://www.designweek.co.uk/we-like/time-to-talk-stuart-semples-designs-for-mental-health/3037064.article "Time to Talk – Stuart Semple's designs for mental health"] Design Week, 20 August 2013. Retrieved 23 August 2014.</ref> The Creative Therapies fund backs mental health projects in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web |title=Talking about mental health with Stuart Semple |url=https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/talking-about-mental-health-with-stuart-semple/ |work=Mind |access-date=2026-04-28 |date=2014-03-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mind.org.uk/get_involved/creative_therapy_campaign |title=The Creative Therapies Fund |work=Mind |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503105732/https://www.mind.org.uk/get_involved/creative_therapy_campaign/ |archive-date=2013-05-03 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

He has also advocated for artists' rights in the United Kingdom,<ref>{{cite web |title="dacs.org.uk" Debate on the Future Economy of Art |url=http://www.dacs.org.uk/latest-news/artist-salary-research?category=For%20Artists%7CPress%20Releases%7CLatest%20News&title=N |publisher=}}</ref><ref>Hutchinson, Jack (2012) [http://new.a-n.co.uk/news/single/is-anything-wrong-with-the-artists-resale-right "Is anything wrong with the Artist's Resale Right?"], "a-n.co.uk"</ref> humanitarian aid,<ref>{{cite web |last=Hazelton |first=Claire |title=Freedom from Torture: The Art Auction – Interview with Stuart Semple |url=https://www.fluxmagazine.com/freedom-from-torture-the-art-auction/ |work=Flux Magazine |date=18 November 2011 |access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref><ref>Morrison, Sarah (2011) [https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/britains-art-pack-does-its-bit-to-help-6268541.html?action=gallery&ino=6 "Britain's Art Pack Does It's Bit To Help"], ''The Independent''. 27 November 2011. Retrieved 10 August 2014.</ref><ref>[https://paddle8.com/work/stuart-semple/23611-deep-house-music "STUART SEMPLE, Deep House Music, 2013"], "Paddle8", 27 November 2013.</ref> and world peace.<ref>{{cite web |last=Croughton |first=Paul |url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/Magazine/Features/article1118353.ece |title=Art of Darkness |work=The Sunday Times |date=2012-09-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812203217/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/Magazine/Features/article1118353.ece |archive-date=2014-08-12 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=AKA Peace: Contemporary artists unite for Peace One Day, 26–30 September |url=https://archive.ica.art/bulletin/aka-peace-contemporary-artists-unite-peace-one-day-26-30-september/ |website=Institute of Contemporary Arts |access-date=2026-04-28 |date=2012-09-12}}</ref><ref>Symondson, Bran (2012) [http://ceasefiremagazine.co.uk/aka-peace/ "Photo Essay {{!}} Bran Symondson: AKA Peace exhibition"] "Ceasefire Magazine". 26 September 2012.</ref>

== Exhibitions == {| class="wikitable" |+ !Title !Year !Location !Ref |- |''Fake Plastic Love'' |2007 |London |<ref name="aesthetica" /> |- |''Everlasting Nothing Less'' |2009 |London, Milan |<ref>Chambers, Christopher Hart (2009). [http://www.flashartonline.com/interno.php?det=ok&id_art=368&pagina=newyork_det&title=Stuart-Semple:-Everlasting-Nothing-Less "Stuart Semple: Everlasting Nothing Less"] "Flash Art". {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928204514/http://www.flashartonline.com/interno.php?det=ok&id_art=368&pagina=newyork_det&title=Stuart-Semple:-Everlasting-Nothing-Less|date=28 September 2011}} Retrieved 26 July 2011.</ref> |- |''Happy Clouds'' |2009–2014 |London, Dublin, Moscow |<ref name="irishtimes" /><ref name="timesclouds">Burgess, Kaya (2009). [https://web.archive.org/web/20110616195152/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/visual_arts/article5803754.ece "Storm clouds give way to smileys over London"] ''The Times'', 25 February 2009. Retrieved 3 March 2009.</ref><ref>[http://ukrussia2014.ru/event/museum-night/ "Stuart Semple Moscow HappyClouds"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517164959/http://ukrussia2014.ru/event/museum-night/|date=17 May 2014}}, British Council.</ref> |- |''Happy House'' |2010 |London |<ref name="artsdesk">Spero, Josh (2010). [http://www.theartsdesk.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=1460:stuart-semple-art-review&Itemid=27 "Stuart Semple, Morton Metropolis"] "[The Arts Desk]". Retrieved 10 September 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.esquire.co.uk/gear/design/2628/hardcore-and-happy-house/ Esquire "Stuart Semple: Hardcore and Happy House"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205061710/http://www.esquire.co.uk/gear/design/2628/hardcore-and-happy-house/|date=5 February 2015}} "Esquire" 15 April 2010. Retrieved 6 August 2014.</ref> |- |''It's Hard to Be a Saint in This City'' |2012 |Hong Kong |<ref name="artinfo" /><ref name="timeout">Cheung, Ysabelle (2012).[http://www.timeout.com.hk/art/features/48805/stuart-semple.html Time Out "Stuart Semple"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714224912/http://www.timeout.com.hk/art/features/48805/stuart-semple.html|date=14 July 2014}} ''Time Out'' 15 February 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2014.</ref> |- |''Suspend Disbelief'' |2013 |London |<ref name="hunger2">Khan, Karim (2015).[http://www.hungertv.com/feature/stuart-semple-suspend-disbelief/ Hunger "Stuart Semple Suspend Disbelief"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522142852/http://www.hungertv.com/feature/stuart-semple-suspend-disbelief/|date=22 May 2014}}</ref><ref name="wallstreet">[http://wsimag.com/art/5373-stuart-semple-suspend-disbilief "Stuart Semple. Suspend Disbelief"], Wall Street Journal. September 2013.</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24532474 "BBC" In pictures: Stuart Semple] 16 October 2013. Retrieved 16 May 2014.</ref> |- |''Anxiety Generation'' |2014 |London |<ref>[http://www.tatler.com/bystander/events/2014/november/stuart-semples-private-view Tatler "Stuart Semple's Private View"] ''Tatler'', November 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2015.</ref> |- |''My Sonic Youth'' |2015 |Los Angeles |<ref name="hunger2015">[http://www.hungertv.com/feature/the-interview-stuart-semple-2/ Hunger "Art & Culture THE INTERVIEW: STUART SEMPLE"] "Hungertv.com" 12 October 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2015.</ref> |- |''Something Amazing'' |2016 |United Kingdom |<ref>Battersby, Matilda (2016).[https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/features/the-art-of-infertility-stuart-semple-tabitha-moses-conception-frida-kahlo-a7209841.html "The art of infertility – artist Stuart Semple raises awareness of female egg donation"] "The Independent" 26 August 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2016.</ref> |- |Untitled |2016 |Denver, US |<ref>[https://www.lanemeyerprojects.com Lane Meyer Projects exhibition page] Lane Meyer Projects. Retrieved 1 Oct 2023.</ref> |- |''Happiness HQ'' |2018 |Denver, US |<ref>[https://ninedotarts.com/projects/happy-city-by-stuart-semple/ NINE dot ARTS, "Happy City by Stuart Semple"] Retrieved 1 Oct 2023.</ref> |- |''Dancing On My Own'' |2019 |London |<ref>{{cite web |last=Olah |first=Nathalie |title=Fighting for life and feuding with Anish Kapoor: the art of Stuart Semple |url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/aug/30/art-stuart-semple-feud-anish-kapoor-blacker-than-black-paint |website=The Guardian |date=30 August 2019}}</ref> |- |''D.A.B.A. – Destroy All Bad Art'' |2023 |London |<ref>[https://all-is-joy.com/exhibitions/daba All is Joy exhibition page, "D.A.B.A."] Retrieved 1 Oct 2023.</ref> |}

== Curatorial projects == right|thumbnail|Semple, photographed with "Kurt Lied"

In 2007, Semple co-curated and featured in ''The Black Market'' at the Anna Kustera Gallery in New York with Ju$t Another Rich Kid. The show explored contemporary consumerism and featured artists including Cory Ingram and Ellis Scott.<ref name="McClemont, Doug 2007">McClemont, Doug (25 July 2007). "Doug McClemont on The Black Market at Anna Kustera, New York". ''Saatchi Gallery''. Retrieved 2 October 2025.</ref><ref>"The Black Market". ''Artforum'', 2007. Retrieved 2 October 2025.</ref>

He curated ''Mash-Ups: Post Pop Fragments and Détournements'' with Nicky Carvell at the Kowalsky Gallery (DACS), London, in 2008,<ref name="Coghlan, Niamh 2008">Coghlan, Niamh (1 August 2008). "Pop Art & Mass Culture curated by Stuart Semple". ''Aesthetica Magazine''. Retrieved 2 October 2025.</ref><ref>"Mash-Ups – post pop fragments and détournements". ''Kowalsky Gallery'' (archived 5 October 2011). Retrieved 2 October 2025.</ref> and later produced ''London Loves the Way Things Fall Apart'' (2009) and ''This Is England'' (2011) for Galleria AUS18, Milan.<ref name="Kingston University 2009">Kingston University (2009). "London Loves". ''kingston.ac.uk''. Retrieved 2 October 2025.</ref>

In 2010, Semple curated ''This Is England'' at The Aubin Gallery (which he directed in association with Aubin & Wills and Shoreditch House), featuring Sarah Maple, Nicky Carvell, David Hancock and Richard Galloway. The exhibition later toured to Milan.<ref name="Davis, Laura 2010">Davis, Laura (21 May 2010). "Exciting New Gallery for Young British Artists". ''Elle''. Retrieved 2 October 2025.</ref>

That same year, Semple presented ''Bazooka'' at The Aubin Gallery as part of Neville Brody's Anti Design Festival, marking the first UK exhibition by the French collective Bazooka.<ref>"Bazooka". ''ArtsHub'' (17 September 2010). Retrieved 2 October 2025.</ref><ref>"Vive la pernque rerque!". ''Eye Magazine Blog'' (20 September 2010). Retrieved 2 October 2025.</ref><ref name="FAD 2010">{{cite web |last=Westall |first=Mark |url=https://fadmagazine.com/2010/09/16/%E2%80%98bazooka%E2%80%99-opens-on-thursday-17th-september-at-the-aubin-gallery/ |title={{-'}}Bazooka' opens on Thursday 17 September at The Aubin Gallery |work=FAD Magazine |date=2010-09-16 |access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref><ref>"About the Anti Design Festival". ''Anti Design Festival'' (WordPress, 2010). Archived at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2 October 2025.</ref>

In 2011, he curated the large-scale exhibition ''Mindful'' in the Old Vic Tunnels, featuring works by Tracey Emin, Jake and Dinos Chapman, Mona Hatoum, Mat Collishaw, Sebastian Horsley, Sarah Lucas, Barney Bubbles, Liliane Lijn, Tessa Farmer and Semple. The exhibition coincided with a gala dinner at the Imperial War Museum hosted by Stephen Fry and Melvyn Bragg to raise funds for the Mind Creative Therapies Fund.<ref name="Kos-Earle, Nico 2011">Kos-Earle, Nico (23 September 2011). "Stuart Semple: Open Your Mind". ''Glass Magazine''. Retrieved 2 October 2025.</ref><ref name="Spoonfed"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Woodward |first=Daisy |title=Mindful Group Exhibition |url=https://www.anothermag.com/art-photography/1412/mindful-group-exhibition |work=AnOther |access-date=2026-04-28 |date=23 September 2011}}</ref>

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Semple co-founded the Virtual Online Museum of Art (VOMA) with curator Lee Cavaliere, creating one of the first purpose-built, fully interactive 3D museums hosting curated exhibitions by international artists in a virtual environment.<ref>{{cite web |last=Orensten |first=Evan |title=World's First Interactive Virtual Museum, VOMA |url=https://coolhunting.com/culture/worlds-first-interactive-virtual-museum-voma/ |work=Cool Hunting |access-date=2026-04-28 |date=11 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Westall |first1=Mark |title=World's first virtual museum VOMA to launch next month – with your help |url=https://fadmagazine.com/2020/05/07/worlds-first-virtual-museum-voma-to-launch-next-month-with-your-help/ |work=FAD Magazine |date=7 May 2020 |access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref><ref>"VOMA: The World's First Virtual Museum of Art". ''Metal Magazine'' (2020). Retrieved 2 October 2025.</ref>

In 2021, Semple curated the exhibition ''Crash'' in a vacant department store in Bournemouth's town centre. The project served as a prototype for a new artist-led space and brought together local authority and Arts Council support for repurposing the former Debenhams building as a contemporary art gallery.<ref name="Carey-Kent, Paul 2021">{{cite web |last=Carey-Kent |first=Paul |title=Stuart Semple Talks To Artlyst Candidly About His New Art Gallery |url=https://artlyst.com/stuart-semple-talks-to-artlyst-candidly-about-his-new-art-gallery/ |work=Artlyst |access-date=2026-04-28 |date=14 March 2021}}</ref>

Following this, Semple founded GIANT later in 2021 in the same building. The gallery launched with ''Big Medicine'', curated by Semple, featuring works by Jake and Dinos Chapman, Jim Lambie, Gavin Turk, Gary Card, Paul Fryer and others. ''The Guardian'' described GIANT as "a vast, artist-run gallery bringing colour and optimism to a town centre hit hard by lockdown,"<ref name="Observer – Thorpe">{{cite news |last=Thorpe |first=Vanessa |title=Sea, sand and subversive art: can Bournemouth be reborn as a culture hub? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/aug/07/can-bournemouth-be-reborn-as-a-culture-hub |work=The Observer |date=7 August 2021}}</ref> while ''Museums Journal'' called it "a major new arts hub for the south coast."<ref>{{cite web |last=Collins |first=Francesca |title=New arts hub for Bournemouth |url=https://www.museumsassociation.org/museums-journal/news/2021/08/new-arts-hub-for-bournemouth/ |department=Museums Journal |work=Museums Association |access-date=2026-04-28 |date=10 August 2021}}</ref> Coverage in ''Creative Boom'' noted Semple's role in transforming the former Debenhams department store into a large-scale space for contemporary art.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cowan |first=Katy |title=A closer look at Stuart Semple's hip new gallery in Bournemouth |url=https://www.creativeboom.com/insight/a-closer-look-at-stuart-semples-hip-new-gallery-in-bournemouth/ |work=Creative Boom |access-date=2026-04-28 |date=12 August 2021}}</ref> The exhibition also drew national attention after local MP Tobias Ellwood criticised one of the works, prompting discussion about freedom of artistic expression.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lewis |first=Jason |title=MP calls for 'tasteless' suicide vest art to be removed from town centre gallery |url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/19678535.bournemouth-mp-tobias-ellwood-slams-suicide-vest-artwork/ |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=29 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lewis |first=Jason |title={{-'}}Anti-war and anti-terror': Gallery founder defends suicide vest artwork |url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/19678519.gallery-founder-defends-suicide-vest-art-mp-comments/ |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=29 October 2021}}</ref>

In 2022, Semple curated ''FOREVER: CHANGED'' at GIANT, a group exhibition examining media, memory and cultural production featuring artists including Ron Arad, Sarah Hardacre, Gavin Turk, Fabio Lattanzi Antinori, and Tim Noble and Sue Webster.<ref name="Trebuchet" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Event: Forever: Changed |url=https://www.piartworks.com/events/131/overview/ |work=Pi Artworks |access-date=2026-04-28 |date=2018-04-27}}</ref><ref name="Bournemouth Echo 2022" />

Other notable exhibitions at GIANT include ''Why We Shout: The Art of Protest'' (2021), curated by Lee Cavaliere and featuring works by Banksy, Jeremy Deller, Kacey Wong, and Martha Rosler;<ref>{{cite web |last=Jenkins |first=Chris |title=The Art of Protest at Bournemouth's Giant |url=https://www.artsandcollections.com/the-art-of-protest-at-bournemouths-giant/ |website=Arts & Collections |access-date=2026-04-28 |date=7 August 2021}}</ref> and ''The Opposite of a Feminist'' (2022), a solo retrospective by Sarah Maple curated by Semple.<ref>{{cite web |title=GIANT presents an exhibition spanning over 15 years of Sarah Maple's career |url=https://artdaily.com/news/142436/GIANT-presents-an-exhibition-spanning-over-15-years-of-Sarah-Maple-s-career |website=ArtDaily |date=2022 |access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref>

GIANT hosted exhibitions by Daniel Lismore, Michael Simpson, and Martin Parr, establishing the gallery as one of the largest artist-led contemporary art spaces in the UK.<ref>"Martin Parr curated by Stuart Semple". ''StuartSemple.com'' (2022). Retrieved 2 October 2025.</ref><ref>"GIANT Gallery Exhibition Archive". ''GIANT.space'' (archived 2023). Retrieved 2 October 2025.</ref>

== Curated exhibitions == ; Selected curated exhibitions {| class="wikitable" !Title !Year !Venue !City !Notes !Ref |- |''The Black Market'' |2007 |Anna Kustera Gallery |New York, US |Co-curated with Just Another Rich Kid. Included works by Cory Ingram and Ellis Scott. |<ref name="McClemont, Doug 2007"/> |- |''Mash-Ups: Post Pop Fragments and Détournements'' |2008 |Kowalsky Gallery (DACS) |London, UK |For the Design and Artists Copyright Society. Co-curated with Nicky Carvell. |<ref name="Coghlan, Niamh 2008"/> |- |''London Loves the Way Things Fall Apart'' |2009 |Galleria AUS18 |Milan, Italy |Curated with Cecilia Antolini. Featured UK-based artists exploring post-pop and collage aesthetics. |<ref name="Kingston University 2009"/> |- |''This Is England'' |2010 |Aubin Gallery |London / Milan |Included Sarah Maple, Nicky Carvell, David Hancock and Richard Galloway. |<ref name="Davis, Laura 2010"/> |- |''Bazooka'' |2010 |Aubin Gallery |London, UK |Presented as part of Neville Brody's ''Anti Design Festival'', the first UK exhibition by the French collective Bazooka. |<ref name="FAD 2010" /> |- |''Uber Collision: Epic Fail'' |2010 |Idea Generation Gallery |London, UK |Curated with Harry Malt. Explored humour and failure in creative practice. |<ref>"Uber Collision: Epic Fail". ''Idea Generation Gallery'', 2010. Retrieved 2 October 2025.</ref> |- |''Mindful'' |2011 |Old Vic Tunnels |London, UK |Fundraiser for Mind featuring Tracey Emin, Jake and Dinos Chapman, Sarah Lucas, Mona Hatoum, Mat Collishaw and others. |<ref name="Kos-Earle, Nico 2011"/> |- |''I'll Be Your Mirror'' |2013 |Eb & Flow Gallery |London, UK |Group exhibition of photography by Suki Waterhouse, Reggie Yates and Imogen Morris Clarke exploring identity and self-image. |<ref>"I'll Be Your Mirror". ''Eb & Flow Gallery'', 2013. Retrieved 2 October 2025.</ref><ref>"Next Models host photography exhibition 'I'll Be Your Mirror'". ''Vogue UK''. 12 April 2013. Retrieved 2 October 2025.</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Feldman |first=Deborah |author-link=Deborah Feldman |title=Meet the MAPstar*... *that's Model, Actress, Photographer |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/meet-the-mapstar-that-s-model-actress-photographer-8561237.html |work=The Standard |date=5 April 2013}}</ref> |- |''Crash'' |2021 |Former department store (prototype for GIANT) |Bournemouth, UK |Prototype exhibition leading to the foundation of GIANT, supported by Arts Council England and local partners. |<ref name="Carey-Kent, Paul 2021"/> |- |''Big Medicine'' |2021 |GIANT |Bournemouth, UK |Curated by Semple. Included Jake and Dinos Chapman, Jim Lambie, Gavin Turk, Gary Card and Paul Fryer. Opening exhibition for GIANT. |<ref name="Observer – Thorpe"/> |- |''FOREVER: CHANGED'' |2022 |GIANT |Bournemouth, UK |Curated by Semple. Featured Ron Arad, Sarah Hardacre, Gavin Turk, Tim Noble and Sue Webster, and Fabio Lattanzi Antinori. |<ref name="Trebuchet">{{cite web |title=Forever Changed: Various Giant Artists |url=https://www.trebuchet-magazine.com/forever-changed-various-giant-artists/ |work=Trebuchet Magazine |access-date=2026-04-28 |date=15 July 2022}}</ref><ref name="Bournemouth Echo 2022">{{cite news |last=Lewis |first=Jason |title=New exhibition opening at Bournemouth's GIANT art gallery |url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/20271546.new-exhibition-opening-bournemouths-giant-art-gallery/ |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=13 July 2022}}</ref> |- |''The Opposite of a Feminist'' |2022 |GIANT |Bournemouth, UK |Solo retrospective of Sarah Maple curated by Semple. |<ref>"GIANT presents an exhibition spanning over 15 years of Sarah Maple's career". ''ArtDaily''. 2022. Retrieved 2 October 2025.</ref> |}

== Public works and performances == * ''Happy Cloud'' (2009) – public intervention outside Tate Modern; later in Dublin, Manchester and Moscow.<ref>[https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/cloudy-with-a-chance-of-artistic-smiley-faces-1.1643705 ''The Irish Times'', 2014.]</ref> * ''Happy City: Denver'' (2018) – city-wide programme on happiness and urban space.<ref>[https://www.denverpost.com/2018/01/03/denver-happy-city-stuart-semple/ ''The Denver Post'', 2018.]</ref> * ''Something Else'' (2022) – interactive event at Dulwich Picture Gallery.<ref>[https://southwarknews.co.uk/area/southwark/festival-of-happiness-for-dulwich/ ''Southwark News'', 2022.]</ref>

== Speaking and writing == Semple has spoken at the Oxford Union, the Southbank Centre's Changing Minds festival,<ref>[https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/changing-minds ''Time Out'', 2016.]</ref> and the Royal College of Art. He has written for ''The Guardian'' and ''Vogue España'', and presented art-education segments for BBC Bitesize.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/class-clips-video/articles/z6bbjhv BBC Bitesize, 2020.]</ref>

== Publications == * Semple, Stuart. ''Make Art or Die Trying: The Only Art Book You'll Ever Need If You Want to Make Art That Changes the World''. Rockport Publishers, 11 June 2024. ISBN 978-0-7603-8703-0.<ref>[https://www.quarto.com/books/9780760387030/make-art-or-die-trying Quarto catalogue, 2024.]</ref>

== Discography == * ''Exit'' – EP (2012), multimedia release combining painting, film and soundtrack.<ref>[https://music.apple.com/gb/album/exit-ep/498261274 Apple Music.]</ref>

== Film == * Featured in the documentary ''This Search for Meaning'' (2024), directed by Placebo.<ref>[https://www.soundspheremag.com/news/placebo-release-new-documentary-film-this-search-for-meaning/ ''Soundsphere'', 2024.]</ref>

==Notes== {{notelist}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category|Stuart Semple}} * [http://stuartsemple.com/ stuartsemple.com], Semple's website

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Semple, Stuart}} Category:1980 births Category:Living people Category:20th-century English male artists Category:20th-century English painters Category:21st-century English male artists Category:21st-century English painters Category:Alumni of Bretton Hall College Category:Artists from Bournemouth Category:British pop artists Category:English male painters