Date of Birth: November 20, 1961
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Biography
Mark Bradford is a celebrated American artist known for his large-scale abstract paintings and mixed-media collages. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Bradford’s work often explores themes of race, identity, and the socio-political landscape of urban environments. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the California Institute of the Arts. Bradford’s unique style involves using materials found in the urban environment such as billboard paper, advertisements, and other detritus, which he transforms into intricate, layered artworks. Bradford has exhibited extensively both in the United States and internationally, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards. His work has been featured in prominent institutions such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). In 2017, he represented the United States at the Venice Biennale, one of the most prestigious contemporary art exhibitions in the world.
5 Interesting Facts about Mark Bradford
1. Mark Bradford’s artistic career began when he was working in his mother’s hair salon, where he experimented with hairdressing end papers as a medium for his art.
2. He co-founded Art + Practice, a nonprofit organization that supports young people transitioning out of foster care and provides contemporary art to the local community in Los Angeles.
3. Bradford’s work is often characterized by its social commentary, addressing issues such as systemic racism, economic disparity, and the impact of globalization.
4. In 2009, he was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship, commonly known as a “genius grant,” which is given to individuals who show exceptional creativity in their work.
5. Bradford’s piece “Helter Skelter I” (2007) set an auction record for the artist when it was sold for $12 million at Sotheby’s in 2018.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mark Bradford
1. “I don’t think that you can separate art from life. I think that they’re intertwined.”
2. “I think that art, like life, is about layers. You have to peel them back to see what’s really there.”
3. “My work is a map of where I’ve been, but also a map of where we are.”
4. “Art has the ability to change perceptions and open up dialogues that can lead to real change.”
5. “I always think of my work as a conversation with the world.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Mark Bradford’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $20 million as of 2023.
Children
Mark Bradford does not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Mark Bradford – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Bradford
2. [Mark Bradford at Hauser & Wirth](https://www.hauserwirth.com/artists/2838-mark-bradford
3. [Mark Bradford – Art21](https://art21.org/artist/mark-bradford/
5. [Art + Practice](https://www.artandpractice.org/