Fred Wilson

Drip Drop Plop (2001)

Grey Area (Brown Edition) (1993)

Mining The Museum (1992)

Untitled (2005)

Untitled (2005)

Life's Link (2012)

Life's Link (2012)

               Fred Wilson is from The Bronx in New York City and was born during the year 1954. The artist obtained his BFA at SUNY Purchase, where he was the only black person in his program. Wilson chooses not to use his hands to create art but, instead manipulates layout, contrast and spatial arrangements of objects and artifacts. He allows the items of his manipulation to weave and divulge his message to the observers. By doing this he creates a common theme among his work that examine and challenges traditional/historical ways of racism and slavery. Wilson's piece "Mining The Museum" is a solid example of his common theme. I find it interesting and fitting the way he chooses to use old fashioned shiny perfectly placed silverware and then place the dirty dark shackles carelessly; the contrast and historical reference is apparent. My favorite piece would be "Untitled" because of its message and demonstration of hierarchy regarding skin color. The piece I find most compelling would be "Drip Drop Plop" because I'm not sure what to draw from it. However, I acknowledge the color choice of the black drops and white walls. I appreciate the way Wilson chooses to share his perspective on a historical topic that continues to linger on.