Stephen Hobbs (1972 - )Stephen Hobbs was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1972 and went on to study at the city’s University of the Witwatersrand where he graduated in 1993 with a B.A. degree in Fine Art.  Since 1994, Johannesburg – as an apartheid city turned African city – has served as a critical reference point for Stephen’s art. He’s been particularly interested in the impact of defensive urban planning and architecture on the behavioral aspects of the city and society. This has seen him becoming involved in the role of art in public spaces where urban renewal takes place.  Stephen has had many solo exhibitions in South Africa and further afield. He’s also been part of numerous group exhibitions, enjoyed residencies in New York and Ireland, been a guest speaker at international events, and has been featured in articles and publications. His work can be found in notable public and private collections in South Africa, Europe, and the USA.  By 2019, Stephen had relocated to Ireland with his wife and children. But then came the pandemic and being locked down in Ireland while still working with colleagues and collaborators via Zoom led to deep reckoning for him. It would bring him back to a city that won’t be ignored.