Russell Young: Icons & Modern Mythology
British‑American artist Russell Young (born 1959, Yorkshire) is renowned for his monumental screen prints that transform familiar faces from popular culture into contemporary myths. His work explores the allure of celebrity, media and collective memory, across painting, screen printing, sculpture and installation.
From music photography to contemporary art
Young began his career in London as a photographer, capturing the rising music scene. He photographed early performances by Bauhaus, R.E.M. and The Smiths, and portrayed cultural icons such as Morrissey, Björk, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan. His cover for George Michael’s Faith became a defining image — a visual sensibility that later shaped his artistic practice.
Icons that shaped culture
After moving to New York in the late 1990s, Young shifted fully into contemporary art. His breakthrough series, Pig Portraits (2001), reimagined mugshots of figures like Elvis Presley and Sid Vicious as bold, large‑scale screen prints. He continues to be drawn to cultural icons, including Brigitte Bardot, whose image remains a symbol of freedom, beauty and cinematic influence.
Diamond dust signature
Young is widely recognized for his use of diamond dust — finely ground glass that gives his works a shimmering, cinematic surface. This technique heightens both the glamour and emotional intensity of his subjects.
International presence
Now based in the United States, Russell Young exhibits worldwide. His works appear in major private and museum collections and are regularly featured at leading auction houses such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s.
