
Paintings
75 works

I Need You, 2026
Acrylic on Canvas
16 x 20 In
Eric Stefanski has emerged as a distinctive voice in contemporary figurative painting, building a dedicated following through his emotionally charged compositions that navigate the complexities of human connection and vulnerability. His work demonstrates a refined technical approach to acrylic painting while maintaining an immediacy that resonates with collectors seeking authentic emotional narratives in contemporary art. "I Need You" exemplifies Stefanski's ability to distill profound emotional states into visual form. The work belongs to his continued exploration of interpersonal dependency and longing, themes that have defined much of his recent practice. At 16 x 20 inches, the intimate scale draws viewers into a personal dialogue with the subject matter, a deliberate choice that reinforces the vulnerability inherent in the title's direct declaration. Stefanski's handling of acrylic on canvas reveals his command of the medium—building layers that create depth while preserving the spontaneous quality that characterizes his most compelling pieces. The artist's trajectory suggests a practice in ascent, with growing recognition among collectors who appreciate figurative work that balances technical skill with genuine emotional weight. Stefanski represents a generation of painters returning to traditional mediums while addressing contemporary psychological landscapes, positioning his work within broader conversations about authenticity and human experience in an increasingly mediated world. Guy Hepner is pleased to present this 2026 work as part of our commitment to representing significant emerging and established contemporary artists. For acquisition inquiries regarding "I Need You" by Eric Stefanski, please contact the gallery directly.


Eric Stefanski is a Chicago based artist known for large scale abstract paintings that incorporate bold, handwritten text. He studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and earned his MFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, in 2015.
Stefanski's work merges expressive mark making with direct, often humorous or self-deprecating phrases, using language as a way into larger themes around vulnerability, failure, and the pressures of maintaining a creative practice. His large-scale canvases favor vibrant color and bold lettering, with text functioning less as slogan and more as fragments of internal dialogue, blending humor with genuine emotional weight. Through this approach, Stefanski examines what it means to sustain a life as a working artist, treating uncertainty and contradiction as part of the process rather than something to resolve.
His work has been shown extensively in Chicago and Boston, along with solo exhibitions in cities including Tokyo and Madrid, and has continued to expand into galleries and institutions internationally.
He continues to live and work in Chicago.
Guy Hepner works with collectors seeking Eric Stefanski's bold, text-driven abstract paintings. Contact us to discuss available inventory or to inquire about upcoming releases.