Russell Young is a British-American artist renowned for his large-scale paintings that explore cultural icons. Born in Yorkshire, England, in 1959, Young faced a challenging childhood, spending time in foster care before being adopted. His family’s frequent moves instilled in him a sense of being an outsider, which fueled his fascination with the American dream. Finding solace in football, music, and art, he pursued his studies at Exeter College of Art and Design.
After graduating, Young moved to London, where he delved into themes of social inequality, pop culture, and the music industry. His mentorship under music photographer Christos Raftopoulos opened new avenues for him; Raftopoulos built Young a darkroom and introduced him to the arts, expanding his horizons. During this period, Young photographed early performances of iconic bands like Bauhaus, R.E.M., and The Smiths. His breakthrough came with a photoshoot for George Michael’s 1986 album cover, “Faith,” which propelled his career forward. He went on to capture musicians such as Morrissey, Björk, Bruce Springsteen, and many others.
Eventually, Young transitioned to painting, becoming an internationally acclaimed pop artist known for his striking silkscreen artworks featuring historical and pop culture imagery. His works are part of prominent collections, including those of celebrities like Barack Obama, David Bowie, and Angelina Jolie, as well as the White House and the Getty Collection in Los Angeles.
