Dennis Oppenheim
USA
Bio
Dennis Oppenheim was one of the most influential and respected artists of his generation. A pioneer in the fields of earthworks, body art, and conceptual art, he chose to work outside formally defined museum and gallery spaces. During the four decades of his practice, Oppenheim employed a multitude of methods for artistic expression: writing, action, performance, video, film, photography, and installation. He used mechanical and industrial elements, fireworks, common objects, traditional materials, and materials of the earth. He created works for interior, exterior, and public spaces.
Three of his sculptural works have been exhibited at the Vancouver Biennale: Device to Root Out Evil, Engagement, and Arriving Home. He was also the recipient of the Vancouver Biennale’s 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Since the 1960s, Oppenheim’s works have been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, Centre George Pompidou, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Venice Biennale, Documenta in Kassel, the Tate Gallery, the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Oppenheim passed away in 2011.
Education Program Material
About Artist and Arriving Home (PDF)
Photo Credit
Artwork: Dan Fairchild Photography
