Wardell Milan

Wardell Milan is an American visual artist residing in New York City, known for his interdisciplinary approach that includes drawing, painting, photography, and constructing three-dimensional dioramas. His work often focuses on topics related to identity, race, sexuality, and gender, using allegory and symbolism. Milan considers his works as "visual narratives" that invite diverse interpretations based on how viewers engage with each scene.

Biography of Wardell Milan

Wardell Milan was born in 1977 in Knoxville, Tennessee. His early interest in art was supported by his parents, Wardell Sr. and Linda Milan, who supplied him with a dedicated studio room at home. Throughout high school, his tutors encouraged his imagination and creative pursuits, with Milan focusing primarily on photography during his teenage years.

Milan earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Tennessee in 2001 and later attended the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine as an artist in residence. He completed his Master of Fine Arts at Yale University in 2004, after which he moved to New York City to further his career.

Wardell Milan's Famous Works

One of Milan's most notable works is the "Boxing Series", inspired by H.G. Wells' novel "The Invisible Man," particularly the Battle Royale scene. This series features collages made from appropriated photographs sourced from the book "The Fights," with photography by Charles Huff. Milan utilized the book as his "canvas," creating layered compositions that explore the concepts of identity and social dynamics. The series laid the foundation for Milan's larger bodies of work, which similarly visualize complex narratives.

Wardell Milan's Art Style

Milan's art is characterized by a diverse use of media, including drawing, painting, collage, and photography. He often incorporates appropriated photographs and found objects into his work, constructing intricate narratives that focus on concepts such as beauty, sexuality, personal identity, and the body. His dioramas, which he photographs and presents as two-dimensional scenes, create surreal environments where objects and characters interact in bizarre ways. Milan draws his ideas from literature, philosophy, and human nature, with the works of Tennessee Williams, Alice Walker, and James Baldwin influencing his storytelling approach.

Exhibitions and Recognition

Wardell Milan's work has been exhibited in several significant venues, solidifying his place in the contemporary art world. In 2005, he participated in the "Frequency" exhibition at The Studio Museum in Harlem and the "Greater New York" show at MoMA PS1, where he showcased his skills in various mediums. That same year, he held his first international show, "La Beaute de l'Enfer", at Galerie Rodolphne Janssen in Brussels.

Milan's work continued to receive recognition, with exhibitions such as "A Series of Inspiring Women" (2012) at the Louis B. James Gallery in New York, and "Kingdom or Exile: Parisian Landscapes" (2013) at the Savannah College of Art and Design. His contributions to contemporary art earned him a Foundation for Contemporary Arts Grants to Artists award in 2014.