Kelley Walker b. 1969
Kelley Walker is an acclaimed contemporary artist known for his provocative appropriation of iconic cultural images. Through his multidisciplinary practice, Walker examines the circulation, manipulation, and consumption of visual culture in a media-saturated world. Employing techniques such as collage, screen-printing, sculpture, and installation, his works challenge viewers to reconsider the meanings of familiar imagery by situating them within new, often unexpected contexts.
Walker frequently draws on themes of consumerism, identity, race, and politics, exploring how images are constructed and disseminated in the public sphere. His works often incorporate advertising, mass media, and historical photographs, which he distorts, deconstructs, or reimagines to highlight the power dynamics inherent in visual representation.
Walker’s practice has been the focus of numerous solo exhibitions in the U.S. and internationally, including presentations at major institutions such as the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, the Wexner Center for the Arts, and the Paula Cooper Gallery. His ability to blend aesthetic innovation with critical commentary has positioned him as a significant voice in contemporary art, offering insights into the complexities of image consumption in the 21st century.
