Douglas Kolk

Fragmented and morbid, yet full of an inspiring, adolescent sensitivity, Douglas Kolk's drawings and collages feature seductive, abject figures who seem to be at odds with themselves and the world around them. Influenced by Pop art and contemporary media images, Kolk's delicate, confessional works have titles like A Boy Named Deth, A Girl Named Sic, and Hi Sunflower! and deal intensively with popular youth culture. Perhaps the artist's personal history lends some insight: born in Newark, New Jersey in 1963, Kolk grew up in a senior citizens' home led by his father, a Baptist preacher. After studying graphic design, he worked as an assistant to Robert Longo, and then as the curator of a corporate art collection. In the mid-90s, increasing artistic success brought enough pressure to cause Kolk to stop working for a while. He recently resumed drawing, and has had solo shows at Team and David Zwirner galleries in New York.