David Hammons was born in 1943 in Springfield, Illinois. In 1962, Hammons moved to Los Angeles, attending Chouinard Art Institute (now CalArts), 1966 – 1968, and the Otis Art Institute, 1968 – 1972. Hammons settled in New York City in 1974.
An African-American installation artist, performance artist, and sculptor, Hammons is primarily known for his work in and around New York City during the 1970's and 1980's. Influenced by Arte Povera, Hammons work speaks of cultural overtones; employing provocative materials such as elephant dung, chicken parts, strands of hair, and bottles of cheap wine. Centered in the black urban experience, Hammons often uses sarcasm as a means of confronting cultural stereotypes and racial issues. Hammons was the recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship in July 1991
David Hammons currently lives and works in New York.
