New York, NY
Artwork by Lucas Stoffel, fine art prints available on Etsy.
After being evacuated from Kathmandu, Lucas Stoffel, like most New Yorkers found himself isolated, unemployed and depressed last March. Having spent hundreds of hours playing Nintendo’s Animal Crossing and watching 40 seasons of Survivor on demand, Stoffel became frustrated waiting for the pandemic to end. After Taylor Swift released a studio album in the spring of 2020, Stoffel said enough and searched for ways to bring his creativity to life.
Fine art prints available on Etsy.
Broke, but no longer down, Stoffel searched through terabytes of research from his last 15 years of travel photography and then he picked up a brush and started to create over 20 paintings for a new collection. The new works are cultural and religious depictions covering most of South East Asia including: Myanmar, Nepal, Bali, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Taiwan.
This post pandemic show starts July 10th - 25th, 2021 at the Prince George Gallery 15 E 27th street in New York City.
In this newest exhibition, Stoffel finds himself exploring his wanderlust finding inspiration in his recent travels to Laos, Myanmar, Taiwan, and Thailand and others. “Wanderlust” is a planned visualization of social commentary that explores the iconography of South East Asian culture through religious and ceremonial iconography. Stoffel spotlights the rich Citadel Dances performed in Hue, Vietnam; the buddhist traditions of Laos and Myanmar; as well as the parable dances of Sri Lankan folklore.
“The Gallery at Prince George is the ideal setting for this strong piece of social commentary,” says Stoffel. “The raw and open feel of the space is definitely reflected in the work.”
Pop Artist: Lucas Stoffel
I find my deepest inspiration in the profound beauty that emerges from human devotion to the unknown. The rituals, songs, and dances we've crafted around intangible entities like gods have always fascinated me. Through my art, I aim to explore and convey these cultural interpretations of spirituality.
My work is a fusion of hand painted contemporary aesthetics with the iconic screen-printed style of Pop Art pioneers like Lichtenstein and Warhol. I create visually captivating pieces with bold colors, dynamic compositions, and clean lines, often on large-scale canvases. Photography serves as the foundation for each piece, and I transform these images through digital manipulation and reinterpretation before bringing them to life with acrylic paints.
Central to my artistic mission is the promotion of inclusivity and the breaking down of barriers between diverse belief systems. By translating the complexities of multiple religions into accessible, relatable representations, I encourage viewers to reconsider their perspectives on spirituality. In this way, I strive to bridge cultural and religious divides, fostering understanding and unity.
My journey as an artist has led me to significant recognition, including the Starving Artist Award, and participation in the amFar Rocks Benefit for AIDS research, where my work was prominently featured. My art has been showcased at esteemed venues in New York City, including the Art Directors Club, The Prince George Gallery, GalleryBar, and New World Stages. Through my work, I hope to inspire beauty, unity, and a deeper recognition of the shared values that connect us all, regardless of our diverse beliefs.