Lorna Simpson discusses influences and practice in podcast interview
In a conversation with Ben Luke, Lorna Simpson, a conceptual artist from Brooklyn born in 1960, shares insights into the inspirations behind her art, which encompass writers, musicians, and filmmakers. Her work, ranging from early photo-text creations to her latest paintings, employs photography and image-making to interrogate representations of identity. Simpson addresses social issues and historical injustices, drawing connections to David Hammons' art and Francisco de Zurbarán's show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Influences on her practice include Isaac Julien, Terry Adkins, Wangechi Mutu, Robin Coste Lewis, Audre Lorde, and Chantal Akerman. Her exhibition 'Third Person' is on view at Pinault Collection – Punta della Dogana in Venice until November 22. This podcast, sponsored by Bloomberg Connects, includes guides to U.S. museums showcasing her solo work.
Key facts
- Lorna Simpson was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1960
- Her exhibition 'Third Person' runs at Pinault Collection – Punta della Dogana in Venice until November 22
- She discusses influences including David Hammons, Francisco de Zurbarán, Isaac Julien, Terry Adkins, and Wangechi Mutu
- Literature by Robin Coste Lewis and Audre Lorde influences her practice
- Chantal Akerman's films are vitally important to her work
- The podcast is sponsored by Bloomberg Connects arts platform
- Simpson has had solo exhibitions at multiple U.S. museums including MOCA LA, Walker Art Center, and Whitney Museum
- Studio Museum in Harlem's new building opened in late 2025 with four architectural pillars: Street, Sanctuary, Stage, and Stoop
Entities
Artists
- Lorna Simpson
- Ben Luke
- David Hammons
- Francisco de Zurbarán
- Isaac Julien
- Terry Adkins
- Wangechi Mutu
- Robin Coste Lewis
- Audre Lorde
- Chantal Akerman
Institutions
- Hauser & Wirth
- Pinault Collection – Punta della Dogana
- Palazzo Grassi
- Bloomberg Connects
- Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles
- Walker Art Center
- Contemporary Art Museum in St Louis
- Met Fifth Avenue
- Whitney Museum of American Art
- Studio Museum, Harlem
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
Locations
- Brooklyn
- New York
- United States
- Venice
- Italy
- Los Angeles
- Minneapolis
- St Louis
- Harlem