David Salle

David Salle, born on September 28, 1952, in Norman, Oklahoma, is an influential American painter known for his eclectic, postmodern style that combines figurative imagery with abstract elements. Salle studied at the California Institute of the Arts, where he earned both his BFA and MFA under the mentorship of artist John Baldessari. Salle gained prominence in the 1980s as part of the Neo-Expressionist movement, with his works characterized by a complex layering of images, text, and various artistic styles. His paintings often juxtapose disparate elements, creating a visual narrative that challenges traditional notions of coherence and meaning. Notable works include "Sextant in Dogtown" (1987) and "We'll Shake the Bag" (1980). Salle's accomplishments include numerous solo exhibitions at prestigious institutions such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, and the Guggenheim Museum in New York. He has also received several awards and honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1986. Salle's work continues to be highly regarded in the art market, with pieces achieving significant prices at auction. For example, his painting "Pat Hobby" sold for $4.3 million at a Christie's auction in 2014. David Salle remains an important figure in contemporary art, known for his innovative approach and ability to blend different visual languages into cohesive yet provocative works.