Otis Houston Jr.

Otis Houston Jr. (born 1954 in Greenville, South Carolina, U.S.) is a New York based artist, known for installing and performing his work in public along FDR Drive in Manhattan.[1][2][3] Houston sometimes presents his work as Black Cherokee.[4]

Early life

Houston grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and moved to New York in 1969.[1] He served seven years in prison on several drug charges.[1] During his incarceration, Houston developed his art practice.[1]

Art practice

Houston has been performing in public along FDR Drive at 122nd St, since 1997.[1][3][5] His work typically takes form as performance (often spoken word), sculpture, and text-based pieces.[4] His sculptures employ found materials collected in his apartment building or where he works, including towels, chairs, and doors.[2] During the day, he works as a custodian in an office building.[1][6]

Exhibitions

Houston has exhibited his work at several New York galleries, including Canada, Room East, and Gordon Robichaux, where he is represented.[2][7] He has also shown at Socrates Sculpture Park.[2] Houston opened his first institutional exhibition at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in October 2022.[8]

References
  1. Sheets, Hilarie M. (2021-05-04). "An Artist Who Built His Audience by the Side of the Road". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-03-21.
  2. Russeth, Andrew (2018-12-14). "'We Are the Canvas': Storied New York Highway Performer Otis Houston Jr. on His New Work". ARTnews.com. Retrieved 2022-03-21.
  3. Hopkins, Zoë (2021-04-06). "Otis Houston Jr". The Brooklyn Rail. Retrieved 2022-03-21.
  4. "Otis Houston Jr. (AKA Black Cherokee)". Socrates Sculpture Park. Retrieved 2022-03-21.
  5. "Hit the Streets: Otis Houston Jr.'s Call for Response". Whitehot Magazine of Contemporary Art. Retrieved 2022-08-22.
  6. Kilgannon, Corey (2012-10-16). "After 15 Years, a Roadside Performer Is Getting the Spotlight". City Room. Retrieved 2022-08-22.
  7. Armstrong, Annie (2019-01-08). "Gordon Robichaux Gallery Now Represents KIOSK and Otis Houston Jr". ARTnews.com. Retrieved 2022-08-22.
  8. "Otis Houston Jr.: My Name is My Word". John Michael Kohler Arts Center. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
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