Mark Stockton

Mark Stockton is a Teaching Professor at Drexel University's Westphal College of Media Arts & Design and serves as Co-Director of the Pearlstein Gallery. Based in Philadelphia, he has established himself as a prominent contemporary artist whose graphite drawings have been exhibited nationally and internationally, including shows in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, New York, London, and Beijing.

His educational background includes a BFA from Oregon State University (1996) and an MFA in Painting and Drawing from Syracuse University (2000). Since 2009, Stockton has been actively involved with Vox Populi, an independent arts organization, both as a contributing artist and board member.

Stockton's artistic practice centers on contemporary drawing, often exploring themes of representation, celebrity culture, historical figures, and social commentary. His work frequently engages with American iconography and cultural narratives, as evidenced by his series on 1970s celebrities, his Whitman-related works, and politically charged pieces like 'Of Consequence' featuring Vladimir Putin. His technique primarily involves graphite on paper, creating large-scale, detailed drawings that challenge viewers' perceptions of fame, power, and historical memory.

His recent exhibitions demonstrate a consistent engagement with contemporary issues through the lens of drawing and visual representation. From the '100 People' project to 'Present Tense: Drexel Art Now' (2023), his work continues to evolve while maintaining his distinctive approach to figurative drawing and conceptual exploration.

Stockton's work is held in significant collections including the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the West Collection. His 'The Poet in His Bedroom or Walt Whitman in repose amongst a chaos of papers in Camden in 1891' (2018-19) was commissioned for the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts collection.

As an educator, Stockton teaches design and drawing at Drexel University, mentoring emerging artists while maintaining his active studio practice. His dual role as practitioner and educator positions him at the intersection of academic and professional art worlds. His involvement with Vox Populi demonstrates his commitment to the broader Philadelphia arts ecosystem beyond the university setting.

His studio practice often involves large-scale works, including pieces measuring up to 122" x 92", and incorporates various media beyond traditional drawing, including installation elements, publication design, and collaborative projects. His 'Some of Its Parts' (2019) collaborative installation with Nadia Hironaka, Matthew Suib, and Kelsey Halliday Johnson exemplifies his engagement with contemporary art practices beyond traditional drawing.