For the last 51 years McCallum has been concerned with formal elements of color and composition. He attempts to push these formal elements out of contextual reference to create what he refers to as hyper-ambiguous spatial relationships. Color-critical information conveyed in his work is paramount to achieving his desired retinal result. Calvin Reid stated that “some images assault the senses radically; some images lull the observer into fragmented-fractal- puzzle solving (Art in America, February 1999).

For the last twenty years, Steve has been exploring the nuances of “computer- built” digital images and photographic manipulation, the results of which are expressed in large-format digital prints. The transition from painter to digital composer has yielded expansive possibilities for his work, including the obvious introduction of recognizable elements and incorporation of more modulated forms. His work aesthetic, work ethic, and dedication to experimentation have remained intact and unchanged for over fifty years. He strives to yield a lasting, resonant and convincing visual illusion by optimizing color, organization, and principles of perception, applying sound studio practices and staying current with technology. Steve McCallum’s art is in collections around the word, including NYC, Washington D.C, Senegal, Sweden, and Japan.

Dr. Louis Zona, Director says “Steve is one of the most innovative artists in Ohio. Steve is known for his hard-edged abstractions and spatial interplay. The Butler exhibit is impressive for its scale in that imagery dominates the Davis Gallery. McCallum has taken over the gallery and has made it his world where shapes overlap shapes and lines create a sense of volume. This dynamic work underscores the power of scale and the significance of edge.”