Long overdue, this first comprehensive survey covers three decades of Simmons’ richly layered, socially engaged art. This book presents the art of Gary Simmons, one of the most respected artists of his generation, and covers thirty years of sculptures, paintings, works on paper, large-scale wall drawings, installations and site-specific works. Since the late 1980s, Simmons has played a key role in situating questions of race, class and gender in the visual arts by using, sampling, and remixing popular media—including hip-hop, horror, and cartoons—to trace the complex legacies of race, class, and masculinity in US culture. Featuring essays from curators and thinkers such as Thelma Golden, Arthur Jafa, Seph Rodney, and Nicholas Mirzoeff, and with exclusive photography of works that have not been exhibited for years, this richly illustrated publication offers readers unique access to the complex, profoundly moving work of an influential artist. This catalog features 182 illustrations. Gary Simmons: Public Enemy at MCA Chicago June 13–October 1, 2023
