John Baldessari

John Baldessari born 1931, California. 

John received a B.A. at San Diego State College in 1953 and attended the University of California at Berkeley and at Los Angeles before receiving a master's degree from San Diego State College in 1957. He originally intended to be an art critic, but became a central figure in the growth of Los Angeles as a major art centre.

Baldessari taught at the California Institute of the Visual Arts (CalArts) in Valencia from 1970 to 1990. Following this he joined the art faculty of the University of California, Los Angeles.

His earlier works involved  paintings on canvas  with handwritten phrases, know as 'phototext canvas'  Many of these were satirical in nature, some of his most famous works however, came from his colorful and fun work where he circled out faces. About one of his most famous photos, he says “I’m eliminating everything that probably is the most interesting. I’m eliminating Stonehenge. I’m eliminating their faces. All you’re getting to see is their clothing.”

John Baldessari, “Stonehenge"

Commenting on another of his most famous works he says, "The guitar does figure into the history of art … usually with a bottle of wine, a newspaper, and a loaf of bread.”

John Baldessari "Person with a guitar"

John's career has spanned five decades and his work has been featured in more than 120 solo exhibitions in the U.S. and Europe and in over 300 group exhibitions. His projects include artist books, videos, films, billboards and public works.  He currently lives and works in Santa Monica, California

I like the 'fun' aspect of John Baldessari's work, often turning a potentially dull/ordinary photograph into something more interesting & enjoyable.