Mark Bradford (b. 1961, Los Angeles) is known for his abstract paintings, in which he combines collage and painting in a highly unusual way. For his works, he uses everyday materials and found objects from his immediate surroundings – because they contain memories, experiences and stories. He thus transforms the medium of painting and expands its meaning.
Although abstract, Bradford’s 2023 composition Rona calls to mind something representational: an archaeological find, an unveiled world map, perhaps a cartographic network of trade routes, urban centres and bodies of water. In its density and dynamism, it evokes flashpoints as well as the movement of groups of people across the globe. Black patches and blank spaces thereby also become visible. Whether or not these allude to social and political structures that disadvantage and exclude individual communities, one thing is certain: for Bradford, art is an open field. It can be political, contradict, irritate and interrogate and is inextricably linked with social engagement.
Mark Bradford lives and works in Los Angeles. His works have been exhibited at the Tate in London, the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, among others. In 2017 he represented the United States at the Venice Biennale.
60-colour screenprint on Lana Aquarelle White Hot press 640 gsm
Edition: 23/25 + 10 AP
121.9 x 157.5 cm (print)
133.2 x 168.8 x 6.4 cm (framed)
Copyright: Mark Bradford
Courtesy: Mark Bradford and Hauser & Wirth
Provenance: donated by the artist and Hauser & Wirth
