What materials does Mark Bradford use?

Layers of paper, including salon end papers, posters and street signage, sanded and cut back into large abstract works.

What is Art + Practice?

The nonprofit he co-founded in Leimert Park, Los Angeles, combining exhibitions with support for young people in foster care.

Did Mark Bradford represent the US at Venice?

Yes, at the 2017 Venice Biennale.

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§ ARTIST · ARTS

Mark Bradford

Artist, co-founder of Art + Practice in Leimert Park · b. 1961

MB

BORN: 1961
ERA: 1990s to Present
KNOWN FOR: Artist, co-founder of Art + Practice in Leimert Park

§ THE SHORT VERSION

Mark Bradford, born in Los Angeles in 1961, is an abstract artist who builds large works from layered paper and street materials. He represented the United States at the 2017 Venice Biennale and co-founded Art + Practice in Leimert Park.

Born in Los Angeles in 1961. Worked for years in his mother's hair salon in Leimert Park, and the salon's end papers became his first material.

MAPS MADE OF THE CITY

Highlights.

01

Represented the United States at the Venice Biennale (2017)

02

MacArthur Fellow (2009)

03

Co-founded Art + Practice in Leimert Park (2014)

The portraits.

EVERY ARTIST →

The only name in this room so far.

§ QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK

What materials does Mark Bradford use?: Layers of paper, including salon end papers, posters and street signage, sanded and cut back into large abstract works.
What is Art + Practice?: The nonprofit he co-founded in Leimert Park, Los Angeles, combining exhibitions with support for young people in foster care.
Did Mark Bradford represent the US at Venice?: Yes, at the 2017 Venice Biennale.

His large abstract works are built from layers of paper, posters and signage gathered from the street, then sanded and cut back until they read like aerial maps of a neighbourhood. He represented the United States at the Venice Biennale in 2017.

ART + PRACTICE

He co-founded Art + Practice in Leimert Park in 2014, putting exhibitions and support for young people in foster care in the same building. The art came from the block and he brought it back.