Mark Bradford
National Medal of Arts recipient Mark Bradford with President and First Lady Biden. Photo courtesy of White House
Bio
Mark Bradford is a contemporary artist known for his large-scale, abstract paintings created out of paper. Characterized by its layered formal, material, and conceptual complexity, his work explores social and political structures that objectify marginalized communities and the bodies of vulnerable populations. His practice includes painting, sculpture, video, photography, printmaking, and other media. Using everyday materials and tools from the aisles of the hardware store, Bradford has created a unique artistic language. Bradford's work is rooted in his understanding that all materials and techniques are embedded with meaning that precedes their artistic utility. Just as essential to Bradford's work is a social engagement practice through which he reframes objectifying societal structures by bringing contemporary art and ideas into communities with limited access to museums and cultural institutions. Bradford received his BFA from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in 1995 and his MFA from CalArts in 1997. He has since been widely exhibited internationally.
White House citation:
For revealing the full history of the Nation through groundbreaking art. Inspired by the diverse cultures of Southern California, Mark Bradford’s paper-on-canvas storytelling reveals the interwoven hopes, sorrows, and joys of communities of color, with each layer challenging convention, shining light, and reminding us all of the full potential of America.
It is an unbelievable honor to be included among the recipients of the National Medal of Arts. I've always believed that my practice has had one foot in the studio and one foot in the world—acknowledgement by this community that my work has resonated is truly humbling.