“Alexey Steele's own artistic vision is heroic. Ignoring the lure of contemporary conformity, he pursues complex, figurative compositions… Steele has created a new and magnificent classical vernacular for our times”
“The son of Socialist Realist painter Leonid Steele, he paints in an outsized Renaissance scale and burns brightly with the primal place of art. He grew up in the Soviet Union, and likens himself to a citizen of Atlantis, a nation that’s sunken beneath the seas… Steele is fascinated with the idea of art’s place in society -- a conversation with him involves endless theories on the subject, including the importance of Russian painter Kazimir Malevich (not an artist, he says, “but a visionary!”), the need to return the Acropolis marbles to Greece, and his interest in having artistic values replace mercantile ones in Western society. But unlike many who enjoy theorizing about aesthetic experience -- and who are fascinated with integrity and artistic purity -- Steele is able to really make something happen.”
“He is a “Bolshoi” talent, soul and personality, and an artist with a cause and the passion to back it up. He pours the old wine of classical art into new bottles of the 21st century. His “Grand Manner” style dwarfs the efforts of many of his contemporaries.“
“I want to say thank you very much to Alexey. For your hearting, this quote certainly embody you “A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader, a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves” – that imbodies you”
“Both in the process by which it was created and the diverse students it portrays, ‘Learners’ captures the essence of Cal State Dominguez Hills and its goal to wield the power of diversity, lifelong learning, and collaboration for a more promising future, I was honored to play a small part in Alexey’s process, and proud the students depicted in ‘Learners’ reflect an even brighter future for Cal State Dominguez Hills and its surrounding communities.”
“The City of Carson is currently preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our founding with substantial forward-looking urban development. Alexey Steele’s Love My Neighbor public art program highlights the city’s civic pride and showcases Carson’s diversity as we pursue our City motto of ‘Future Unlimited.’”
“Steele paints tender, even erotically charged, depictions of male and female lovers, and hugely scaled canvases of fantastical scenes that evoke a new mythology. His cartoons, rendered in colored Conte crayon, evoke the refinement and expertise of a Raphael or Leonardo or Pontormo, but on a Herculean Scale.”
"Culver City has always been the heart of arts and innovation on the Westside, and with this project, Alexey Steele demonstrates both. His recent efforts to share artwork with our Culver City Emergency Food Drive have brought joy to our most vulnerable. Now with his live drawing sessions, he has met the challenge of social distancing and found a creative way to continue his work and share it with us all."
“As we celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month in October, we want to recognize not only the leading role the arts have played in Culver City’s history, but the starring role that arts can play in the city’s long-term economic and cultural development. And, as this current health crisis has reminded us, the arts perform a vital role in maintaining the physical and mental health of the city’s residents. Alexey’s project exemplifies the creativity and community spirit to be found in Culver City."
"We are proud to continue Culver City's strong commitment to the arts by appointing Alexey Steele as our Artist Laureate. His strong vision and immense talent as a visual artist, along with his extensive community work, make him the ideal cultural ambassador for our city. We are confident his tenure will be both productive and inspiring!"
