Stephanie Perez
Artist based in Gainesville, FL
ABOUT
Stephanie Perez is an artist based in Gainesville, FL, and a proud Florida native. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Painting and a minor in Sustainability Studies from the University of Florida. Her artistic practice spans painting, photography, and mixed media, with a strong passion for oil painting. While narrative portraiture is her specialty, she enjoys exploring creative possibilities across various mediums. Perez’s love for the environment began at a young age. Growing up in Florida, she found solace in the state’s natural landscapes—orange groves, open fields, and the icy waters of freshwater springs—all of which provided a sense of relaxation and escape from the mundane. In 2015, she became increasingly aware of the climate crisis, particularly following the United Nations Climate Change Conference and the extensive media coverage surrounding it. Artists such as Olafur Eliasson, who brought melting ice blocks from Greenland to Paris as a striking visual representation of climate change, profoundly influenced her perspective. This sense of urgency would shape her artistic direction for the next decade. During her undergraduate studies, Perez’s work began to explore the psychological impact of climate change and the influence of consumer culture on both the environment and society. Over time, her practice has expanded to examine the broader implications of the Anthropocene, particularly how climate change shapes daily life and individual experiences. She also explores the human condition in relation to these environmental shifts, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all disciplines and the ways they influence one another. Currently, Perez is exhibiting new work at the Gainesville Fine Arts Association throughout 2025, following a successful year of exhibitions in 2024. She is kicking off 2025 with artwork displayed at GFAA, the Galesburg Community Arts Center in Illinois, and the VoLo Foundation in Orlando. To stay updated on her latest exhibitions, follow her on social media.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Florida Native, Stephanie Perez, is a visual artist who uses portraiture as a vehicle to discuss the Anthropocene and issues of climate change. At the core of Perez’s work lies the exploration of the human condition and the modern world’s impact on daily life. She examines the physical and mental effects of the Anthropocene, explores patterns of consumer culture, and investigates the ways society shapes individuals. Through her art, she seeks to highlight humanity’s interdisciplinary connection to the world, shedding light on the complex societal forces that influence people’s experiences. Perez’s work is inspired by climate change, consumer graphics, and the vibrant, alluring colors used in merchandise design, as well as the human condition shaped by these dynamics.
Website: https://stephanieperez2018.wixsite.com/perez-artistry
Instagram: @perez_artistry