All artworks by Carroll Dunham
Recognition
The Artist was highlighted in an article in ArtMajeur Magazine
Biography
Carroll Dunham is an American contemporary artist known for his bold and distinctive style that blends abstraction with figuration. Born on November 5, 1949, in New Haven, Connecticut, Dunham gained prominence in the 1980s for his exploration of abstract forms and his use of vivid, often clashing colors. He studied at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, where he graduated in 1972 with a focus on art history.
Dunham’s early work in the 1980s was heavily influenced by abstract expressionism and surrealism, characterized by biomorphic shapes and vibrant patterns. His paintings often included an aggressive mix of abstract and cartoon-like elements, reflecting a playful yet unsettling vision. By the 1990s, Dunham's style evolved, shifting towards figuration while retaining his signature use of bold color and graphic line. This period marked the introduction of his well-known motifs: exaggerated, often grotesque male and female figures engaged in symbolic and sometimes confrontational scenarios.
Dunham's recurring themes explore the relationship between the body, nature, sexuality, and power. He is particularly recognized for his "Nude" series, where he depicts female nudes in a raw and unapologetically direct manner. These works, while provocative, are noted for their humor, surrealist undertones, and reflection on human nature. His use of oil, acrylic, and graphite on linen or canvas often gives a tactile quality to his pieces, emphasizing the materiality of his medium.
Throughout his career, Dunham has exhibited widely, with major solo shows in prominent institutions like the New Museum in New York, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, and the Museum Ludwig in Cologne. His work is included in the collections of major museums such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Gallery in London.
Dunham has also worked in other mediums, including printmaking, with a strong interest in woodcuts, etchings, and lithographs. His career has had a significant influence on contemporary painting, blending abstraction with figuration and challenging conventional depictions of the human form.
Carroll Dunham's personal life is closely tied to the art world, as he is married to the photographer Laurie Simmons, and their daughter, Lena Dunham, is a well-known filmmaker and writer. His family life and New York surroundings often influence the themes and characters in his paintings, reflecting a personal yet universal examination of identity, conflict, and human relationships.
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Nationality:
UNITED STATES
- Date of birth : 1949
- Artistic domains: No artwork available yet
- Groups: Contemporary American Artists