RICHARD HAWKINS

Early Years

Richard Hawkins was born in Mexia, Texas, in 1961. He studied at the University of Texas, Austin, earning a BFA, before moving to Los Angeles to complete an MFA at the California Institute of the Arts. Hawkins has lived and worked in Los Angeles for much of his career, and the city's diverse cultural landscape has informed his approach to contemporary art. His early experiences in Texas and later immersion in the Los Angeles art scene have shaped his unique perspective, blending regional influences with global art currents.

Richard Hawkins Artworks

Richard Hawkins' artworks are characterised by their bold combination of art historical references, pop culture imagery, and subcultural erotica. His approach to making artwork is rooted in collage, both literally and conceptually, as he layers visual and thematic elements to challenge conventions in contemporary art.

Early Collages and Paintings

In the 1990s, Hawkins gained recognition for collages that juxtaposed images from fashion magazines, classical sculpture, and homoerotic material. These works established his signature style-disruptive, seductive, and intellectually layered.

Sculptural Works and Installations

In the 2000s, Hawkins expanded his practice to include sculpture and installation. Notable projects include his series of haunted house models, which explore American folklore and psychological states, and his 'Asian Sex Tourism' paintings, which critically examine the politics of desire and representation.

Recent Developments

Hawkins' recent works continue to interrogate the boundaries between high and low culture, often referencing outsider art, queer history, and the canon of Western painting. His practice remains influential for its fearless engagement with taboo subjects and its inventive use of materials.

Exhibitions

Richard Hawkins has been the subject of both solo exhibitions and group exhibitions at important institutions. A selection of institutions where he has shown his work is listed below.

• Art Institute of Chicago
• Hammer Museum, Los Angeles
• Tate Liverpool
• Le Consortium, Dijon, France
• Whitney Biennial, Whitney Museum of American Art, New York
• Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles

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Ocula | 2025