David Kramer (b. 1963, Brooklyn, NY) is best known for his ironic juxtapositions of idyllic scenes with whimsically deprecating text. Growing up, he was deeply influenced by the artwork in the magazines of the period and was keenly aware of how real life never quite lived
up to the life promised in the ads. He studied fine arts at The George Washington University, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1985, and went on to complete a Master of Fine Art in Sculpture at Pratt Institute, NY, in 1987. He continues to practice his art, and has accomplished numerous notable achievements including receiving fellowships from the Pollock-Krasner Foundation and the New York Foundation for the Arts.
Often referencing the style of magazine ads in the 1970’s, Kramer paintings reminisce about their dreamlike images and the endless optimism they conveyed. He then reveals the naivety of the dream using poignant remarks in stylized text. Doubly gifted, Kramer’s combined artistic talent and witty commentary has earned him international attention, including from the fashion industry. In 2020, French luxury brand Celine launched a collection featuring Kramer’s paintings. The items were worn by celebrity icons such as fashion designer Marc Jacobs and members of Blackpink, the biggest pop music girl group in the world. Kramer has had successful solo exhibits in seven countries, spanning three continents. His works have been featured in highly distinguished art fairs including Art Basel and the New York Armory, and are regularly displayed in the public collections of world-class galleries such as Galerie Steinek in Vienna and The Pompidou in Paris.
Exhibitions
2023 - Glow, Bravinlee Programs Chelsea, New York, USA
2022 - David Kramer: ...I Am The Boss of Me, Freight+Volume, New York, USA
2021 - One Day It Will Be Like When We´ve Already Lived, Galerie Steinek, Vienna, Austria
2020 - David Kramer: Mar-A-Lago Sunsets..., Freight+Volume, New York, USA
2020 - David Kramer: Essential Oils, Owen James Gallery, New York, USA
2019 - David Kramer: Tired Jokes, Front Room Gallery, New York, USA
2019 - David Kramer: Lodestar: Handmade Memes and Analog Feeds, Katharine Mulherin, Toronto, Canada
2015 ‒ David Kramer: Kramerica!, Galerie Tanit, Munich, Gemany
2014 ‒ David Kramer: Summer Rental, Thierry Goldberg Gallery, New York, USA
2014 ‒ David Kramer, The Hi-Life: Drawings, Installations, Sculptures, Galerie Laurent Godin, Paris, France
2013 ‒ David Kramer: Malibu on the Mediterranean, Galerie Tanit, Beirut, lebanon
2012 ‒ David Kramer: This is What it's Like, Galerie Laurent Godin, Paris, France
2012 ‒ Michael Scoggins & David Kramer: Double Exhibition, Freight+Volume, New York, USA
2010 ‒ David Kramer, Galerie Laurent Godin, Paris, France
2009 ‒ David Kramer: Rock Bottom, Galerie Laurent Godin, Paris, France