Stephen Hurley is a visual artist based in County Louth, working across mixed media with photography now forming a central part of his practice.
His earlier work, presented under the name Habitus Prime, explored surrealism, pop culture, and graphic design, creating playful and imagined worlds where familiar forms were distorted and reassembled. Drawing on retro aesthetics, digital culture, and print media, this work investigated themes of identity, emotion, and perception through visually striking and often interactive compositions. Projects from this period include Local Legends (An Táin Offsite, 2021).
In recent years, Hurley’s practice has shifted towards a more research-led, place-based approach. He is currently exploring rural landscapes, abandoned buildings, and human stories within County Louth, combining documentary and portraiture photography with material and experimental processes.
Transition
This transition reflects a move away from graphic and pop-cultural visual languages toward an engagement with lived experience, memory, and environment, while maintaining a strong focus on narrative, observation, and experimentation.
Public engagement
Public engagement is a core part of this evolving practice. Hurley is a member of BO Studios and Creative Spark Print Studio and has experience delivering artist-led workshops and talks. Supported through the Louth County Council Artist Support Scheme (2024), he continues to develop his work through professional experimentation and collaborative, community-focused activity.