This is the 5th post in our Artist of the Week series.
Arturo Herrera was born in Venezula in 1959. Currently he spends he time between New York and Berlin. He received a BA from the University of Tulsa and an MFA from the University of Illinois. His work involves collages, sculptures, wall paintings and photography. But he is best known for his collages.
His work in collages is what he is most known for. He combines techniques of fragmentation, splicing and re-contextualization. They are often created from images found in coloring books, cartoons and fairy tales. But the unique aspect of his work comes from pairing these innocent images with violent or sexual images.
All of his art focuses on the abstract. He will take tattered pieces of fabric and string them on walls and canvases to make them resemble that of a Pollock painting. Most of his pieces have a deeply psychological feel and most will never truly understand their message. But they have the ability to strike wonder and curiosity in all those who see them.
To learn more about Arturo Herrera visit Art21.
