The works of Mark Bradford, born in 1961 in Los Angeles, California, USA, delves deep into the complexities of socio-political issues, often mirroring the lived realities of Black Americans and drawing inspiration from his own upbringing in the city of angels. His unique style of abstract composition is masterfully crafted using everyday materials and found objects, such as posters and newspaper clippings, many of which are sourced from his hometown. This exhibition draws a striking parallel between the journeys depicted in Bradford’s pieces and the history of the Hamburger Bahnhof, which was originally a 19th-century train station symbolizing both arrival and departure – key themes that resonate throughout Bradford’s collection.
One of the standout works in this exhibition is the grandiose hanging sculpture titled “Spoiled Foot”, which was originally created for the US Pavilion at the 2017 Venice Biennale. Also showcased are the multimedia installation “Pinocchio Is On Fire” (2010/2015) that boldly confronts the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, and the walkable floor painting “Float” (2019/2024), adapted specifically for this exhibition. Visitors are invited to physically engage with these pieces, becoming aware of their own movement within the space and reflecting on the unwavering strength of marginalized communities in the face of systemic violence and oppression.
Mark Bradford, a graduate of the California Institute of the Arts, has garnered significant acclaim through major solo exhibitions at renowned institutions such as Tate, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. In 2017, he was chosen as the official representative for the United States at the Venice Biennale. Beyond his impressive artistic prowess, Bradford is also a co-founder of “Art + Practice,” a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles dedicated to supporting foster youth and promoting access to contemporary art.
www.ftn-books.com has obe pub;ication on Bradford now available.
