Stephen Powers was born and raised in Philadelphia where he graduated from University of the Arts, before relocating to New York City in 1995. Powers' alias ESPO (Exterior Surface Painting Outreach) won him notoriety not only in the graffiti world, but would also eventually help establish his reputation in the contemporary art world.
After taking on roles as publisher for 'On the Go' Magazine as well as author of several books (The Art of Getting Over, First and Fifteenth, and Studio Gangster), Powers began showing work in notable galleries such Deitch Projects in New York City. In 2005, he organized the "Dreamland Artist's Club", a project which allowed professional artists to help Coney Island vendors by repainting their signs. Soon after, Powers was the recipient of the Fulbright Prize (2007) and spent six months working in Ireland. The idea was to create public artwork with the help of local teenagers from troubled areas in Dublin and Belfast.
In 2008 Powers returned to Coney Island where he installed the "Coney Island Waterboarding Thrill Ride". In the summer of 2009, Powers embarked on his "Love Letter" project.
Responses to Powers' artwork have been featured numerous times in publications such as Juxtapoz, Artforum, and The NY Times. He continues to exhibit internationally in such countries as Italy, Paris, England and Canada as well as multiple locations across the United States. Powers currently lives and works in Manhattan.