Pepón Osorio

Pepón Osorio is best known for his provocative large-scale, multimedia installations that merge conceptual art and community dynamics. His work draws from his richly varied personal experience, nuanced observations of complicated human relationships, and the exploration of spatial interaction alongside the presence of human physicality and spirituality. His installations layer a multiplicity of objects to recreate fantasy-like quotidian environments of real people, stories and events. Osorio has worked with well over twenty-five communities across the U.S., advancing critical discussion internationally. He has exhibited his work at El Museo del Barrio, NYC; Whitney Biennial, NYC; Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid; Museum of American Art, Smithsonian Institution; Institute of Contemporary Arts, Philadelphia; at international biennials of Art and many storefronts among others. He is the recipient of various distinctions including the Skowhegan Medal for Sculpture; an Alpert Award in the Arts–Visual Arts; the John D. and Catherine T. McArthur Foundation Fellowship; an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Maryland Institute; a Lifetime Achievement Award from CAA; the Pennsylvania Governor’s Distinguished Arts award and a United States Artists, Knight Fellowship. Osorio is currently a Laura H. Carnell Professor at Temple University’s Tyler School of the Art and Architecture.

Photo Credit: Sam Fritch