Lari Pittman

Lari Pittman (b. 1952) is an American painter and muralist known for his brightly colored, layered compositions that incorporate a wide range of iconography and symbolism. He was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and currently lives and works in the city.

Pittman received his BFA and MFA from the California Institute of the Arts, where he studied under artists such as John Baldessari and Laurie Anderson. His early work was heavily influenced by the politics and social upheaval of the 1980s and often explored themes of gender, sexuality, and identity.

Over the years, Pittman's art has become more complex and layered, incorporating a wide range of imagery and symbols from art history, popular culture, and his own personal life. His works often feature intricate patterns, floral motifs, and decorative elements that reference both traditional and contemporary forms of design.

Pittman's paintings have been exhibited in major museums and galleries around the world, including the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. 

In addition to his work as an artist, Pittman has taught at various institutions, including the University of California, Los Angeles and the California Institute of the Arts. He has been awarded numerous honors and awards throughout his career, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a National Endowment for the Arts grant.

Pittman's art is celebrated for its exuberant use of color, its intricate layering of imagery, and its ability to explore complex themes of identity and representation. His works challenge viewers to think critically about the visual culture that surrounds us and to consider the ways in which our own identities are shaped by the images we encounter.