Stephen Lapthisophon (born March 31, 1956) is an American artist, writer, and educator working in the field of conceptual art, critical theory, and disability studies.
In 1994, at the age of 39, Lapthisophon suffered a major deterioration of his vision due to optic nerve disease, and became legally blind after intensive medical treatment.
"[1] In Lapthisophon's works, found objects, written texts, and sound recordings are arranged in a way that allows "layers of meanings, allusions and associations...to accumulate" in the mind of the gallery-goer.
[5] Lapthisophon's other work includes sound recordings, site-specific installations, performances, radio broadcasts, books, lectures, and drawings improvised on walls and framed in exhibitions.
In his statement upon receiving this award, Lapthisophon said, "Through investigation of issues of permanence and change in site-specific installations, I hope to...break down the barriers between where the work of art ends and everyday life begins.