Mark Bradford

Mark Bradford is an American visual artist. Bradford was born, lives, and works in Los Angeles and studied at the California Institute of the Arts. Recognized for his collaged painting works, which have been shown internationally, his practice also encompasses video, print, and installation. Bradford was the U.S. representative for the 2017 Venice Biennale. He was included in Time Magazine's list of the 100 Most Influential People in 2021.

Bradford is known for grid-like abstract paintings combining collage with paint. His works are made out of layers of paper and cords which he carves into using various tools and techniques, including gouging, tearing, shredding, gluing, power-washing, and sanding.

Throughout Bradford's career, he has collected 'merchant posters' printed sheets advertising services and posted in neighborhoods. According to critic Sebastian Smee, "The posters advertised cheap transitional housing, foreclosure prevention, food assistance, debt relief, wigs, jobs, DNA-derived paternity testing, gun shows and quick cash, as well as legal advice for immigrants, child custody and divorce."

Bradford sometimes incorporates ideas of masculinity and gender in his work, drawing on his experiences as a gay man.

Text courtesy of Wikipedia, 2024