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David Hammons

*1943 Springfield / Illinois, lives and works in Harlem / New York

 


Biography

David Hammons is a master of minor artistic intervention that triggers major effects: "The less I do, the more artist I am." His performance, 'Bliz-aard Ball Sale' of 1983 on Cooper Square in New York is an excellent example to underline this statement. Standing between street vendors, Hammons offered snow balls, sorted by size, for sale. The artist wanted to illustrate that given the right setting, anything can be commercialised. This was also a reference to the art market, functioning along similar principals, where even seemingly senseless objects are given a price.

Like in this performance, that also uses urban experiences, Hammons' works generally contain a streak of irony, even sarcasm, which, at second glance, give his projects an aggressive air. For the artist it is also important to integrate African traditions into his work. This can be seen in either his choice of materials, or his preference of multi-coloured patterns and spiritual aspects. The 'Rock Head' (2004), for example, is an oval boulder found in Harlem, upon which hair, swept from a Harlem barbershop floor, had been glued, then given a haircut by the same barber. Hammons, who participated at documenta in 1992 and at the Venice Biennale in 2003, takes a growing distance to the world of art. In spite of many invitations, he participates only in selected exhibits.

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