Alumni Art Exhibition at the RCA
News
Alumnus showcases art at the RCA
Monday, 17 February, 2025BSU alumnus Steve Burden is set to showcase his upcoming exhibition, 'Morpheus', at the Royal College of Art in London.
Steve Burden, accomplished alumnus of MA Fine Art at BSU, is set to present his anticipated exhibition, 'Morpheus', at the Royal College of Art this week. Graduating from his master's with a distinction in 2015, Steve has established himself as a powerful voice in contemporary art. Known for highlighting themes such as classism, ancestry and heritage, Steve leans on his personal experiences for inspiration. His work is visceral and dreamlike, and often invites viewers to question the boundaries between reality and imagination.
'Morpheus' is a captivating exploration of trauma, healing, and the subconscious. Described as ‘a profound reflection on trauma, broken bones, morphine, and the depths of the mind,’ the exhibition invites viewers to journey through the liminal space where dreams blur into reality. Inspired by the ancient Greek god of dreams, Morpheus, Steve’s work maps the contours of his subconscious, navigating a delicate balance between clarity and disorientation.
Steve’s inspiration for 'Morpheus' stems from a personal experience in May 2024, when he suffered a serious accident and broke his neck. Prescribed morphine for pain relief, Steve found himself in a three-month recovery process, during which he encountered vivid dreams. The experience became the foundation for his new body of work.
Beyond his art, Steve is dedicated to inspiring and empowering the next generation of working-class creatives. Having faced limited opportunities as a young artist, he now focuses on mentoring children from similar backgrounds, providing them with the support and guidance he didn’t have.
Thinking back on his time at BSU, Steve reflected:
“BSU marked a new chapter in my art practice. Tutors like Maria Lalic and Dexter Dalwood gave me the confidence to explore my subject and start my art practice.”
You can follow Steve’s work on Instagram @theburdenof.art, or visit his website to keep up to date with his latest projects.
Morpheus runs in the Royal College of Arts super satellite, from Monday 17 to Thursday 27 February. A private viewing and a discussion with Kevin Haley will be on Friday 21 February at 6:30pm. Tickets can be found here.