Ice Cream

About this work

Ice Cream is a mixed-media collage created from vintage paper, photography, and hand embroidery. The piece explores the tension between comfort and catastrophe, distraction and responsibility. At its centre is a black-and-white photograph of a young man eating ice cream. Beside him appears the question, “Are there remedies for war?” while embroidered across the surface is the familiar childhood chant: “I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream.” The playful phrase becomes transformed into a haunting double meaning, shifting from a celebration of indulgence into a reflection on suffering, urgency and our shared myopia to violence. The figure’s glasses suggest both the ability to see and the possibility of choosing not to look closely. In the face of war and humanitarian crises, Ice Cream asks what we notice, what we ignore, and how easily we retreat into selfishness while larger tragedies unfold.

About the artist

Steph Assez is a Southeast London-based collage artist and embroiderer who transforms vintage and found materials into playful, surreal artworks. Working by hand, her practice explores storytelling, nostalgia and feminist themes through collage, stitch and reclaimed objects.

Shipping & returns

• — Ships worldwide from the artist's studio with tracked delivery.
• — 14-day return window from delivery. Buyer arranges fully insured, tracked return shipping in original packaging. Conditions apply — see Returns Policy.
• — Signed Certificate of Authenticity included with every original.
• — Customs & duties are the buyer's responsibility outside the UK.