Christopher Wool was born on September 16, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in a culturally rich environment that sparked his interest in art from a young age. Wool moved to New York City in the early 1970s, where he briefly attended Sarah Lawrence College. He later studied at the New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture, which played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic vision.
Wool's early work was influenced by the vibrant art scene in New York during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He initially experimented with various forms of art, including abstract expressionism and minimalist sculpture. His encounter with the works of artists such as Jackson Pollock, Barnett Newman, and Willem de Kooning significantly influenced his approach to art-making.
Wool gained significant attention in the mid-1980s with his unique approach to painting, characterized by the use of stencils, rollers, and spray paint. His iconic black-and-white word paintings, which feature bold text stenciled onto white canvases, became a hallmark of his style. These works often included provocative phrases and statements, challenging the viewer's perception and interpretation.
One of Wool's most famous works from this period is "Apocalypse Now" (1988), which features the stenciled phrase "SELL THE HOUSE SELL THE CAR SELL THE KIDS." This piece exemplifies his ability to merge text and image, creating a powerful visual and conceptual impact.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Wool continued to evolve his artistic practice. He began incorporating silkscreen techniques, photographs, and computer-generated images into his work. This period saw a shift towards more abstract compositions, while still maintaining his signature monochromatic palette.
Wool's exploration of urban environments and the influence of street art became increasingly evident in his work. His paintings often conveyed a sense of fragmentation and dislocation, reflecting the chaotic and transient nature of contemporary urban life.
Christopher Wool's work has been exhibited in numerous prestigious institutions and galleries worldwide. Some of his notable solo exhibitions include those at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles (1998), the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York (2013-2014), and the Art Institute of Chicago (2014).