ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

David Hammons' Hipster Guide to Black America

artist · 2026-04-23

David Hammons, a key figure in New York's art scene since the early 1970s, recreates structures of African American life through sculptures, assemblages, and installations. His work's power lies in the relevance of his associations and narrative fragments, using materials like chicken bones, paper bags, shovels, stones, coal, toys, and hats to express a specific African American worldview.

Key facts

  • David Hammons has been part of the New York art scene since the early 1970s.
  • He creates sculptures, assemblages, and installations.
  • His work often recreates structures of African American life.
  • The power of his work comes from the relevance of his associations and narrative fragments.
  • Materials include chicken bones, paper bags, shovels, stones, coal, toys, and hats.
  • These materials express an African American conception of the world.

Entities

Artists

  • David Hammons

Locations

  • New York
  • United States

Sources