David Soukup [born 1985] is known for his stunning hand-cut stencil paintings of the urban environment which lie at the boundary between photo-realism and graphic design.  Cataloging city life, specifically the life in his hometown of Chicago, and the decaying and now-forgotten alleys & fire escapes of a previous life.  His paintings reflect accumulated memories and experiences, with rich texture, and abstract elements.

Living in Chicago, he was surrounded by an endless possibility of inspiration and a city that showcased some of the best architecture in the world. Using elements of graphic design, collage, mixed media, and reclaimed materials, David’s work is a reflection and experience of his everyday life. His work has taken on several themes and approaches, but has recently returned to his original obsession of photo-realism as he begins to document his daily routine and emotional response to the city around him. David began documenting the remains and last-standing buildings and elements that continue to be destroyed to make way for new growth.  In a way, his work is a reflection of a time that once was, cataloging a world which is slowly being torn away.

His artwork has been exhibited all around the world. He was internationally recognized in 2013 as the Winner of the World Stencil Prize in Sydney, Australia, and was named a finalist in every year he has submitted work since. His paintings have been used in numerous film, commercial, and television productions, and has been featured in Juxtapoz, Hi-Fructose, Artist-a-Day, The Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Sun Times, and many other local and online publications.

In addition to his artwork pursuits, he works in the feature film and commercial television industry, as a graphic designer. His filmography includes: Gran Turismo, The Fast and the Furious 8, The Trial of The Chicago 7, Widows, Judas and the Black Messiah, No Sudden Move, Jurassic World, Man of Steel, Contagion, as well as numerous hit television shows including Utopia, Station 11, Shameless, Sense8, and Empire. His work (in conjunction this the art departments he works on) has been nominated four times for recognition by the Art Director’s Guild. His expertise is widely called upon for second units, prop and set dressing departments around the country, and he owns and operates a boutique studio in Chicago, focused on quality for the big screen. His dedication to detail, ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines, as wells as methodical workmanship has allowed to work with virtually ever major studio, television network, and streaming service. He is a member of IATSE 476.

David currently resides in the city of Chicago. Along with continuing to explore the metropolis around him, he is constantly looking for new opportunities, exhibitions, and adventures. 

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