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David Hammons (b. 1943) King David (1978), Directed by Ulysses Jenkins Phat Free, 1995/99 In The Midnight Hour (2010) Directed by Ulysses Jenkins A Look at David Hammons (undated), Directed by Alex Harsley David Hammons was born in Springfield, Illinois in 1943. He moved to Los Angeles in 1963 attending Chouinard Art Institute (now CalArts) from 1966 – 1968 and the Otis Art Institute from 1968 – 1972. In 1974 Hammons settled in New York City. An African-American installation artist, performance artist, and sculptor, Hammons is primarily known for his work in and around New York City during the 1970's and 80's. Influenced by Arte Povera, Hammons's work speaks of cultural overtones; employing provocative materials such as elephant dung, chicken parts, strands of hair, and bottles of cheap wine. Centered in the black urban experience, Hammons often uses sarcasm as a means of confronting cultural stereotypes and racial issues. Hammons was the recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship in July 1991.