Karla Black facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Karla Black
Born	1972 (age 52–53) Alexandria, Dunbartonshire
Education	BFA in sculpture (1999); MPhil in art in organisational contexts (2000); MFA in fine arts (2004), all from Glasgow School of Art.
Occupation	Scottish sculptor

Karla Black (born 1972) is a Scottish artist. She creates unique sculptures that are three-dimensional. Her art helps us understand the world through the feel and look of different materials.

In 2011, Karla Black was nominated for the Turner Prize. This is a very important award for modern art. She also represented Scotland at the Venice Biennale. This is a huge international art show.

Her artworks have been shown in many places. These include the Kestnergesellschaft in Germany and the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia. She also had shows at the Gemeentemuseum in The Hague and the Dallas Museum of Art. Other places include the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow and Modern Art Oxford.

Early Life and Art Education

Karla Black was born in 1972 in Alexandria, Scotland. She started studying art in 1995. She went to The Glasgow School of Art to learn about sculpture.

She earned her first degree in sculpture in 1999. Then, she continued her studies. She got a special degree in art and organizations in 2000. Later, in 2004, she earned a Master of Fine Arts degree.

Karla Black's Artistic Style

Karla Black uses many different materials in her art. She often uses things like plaster, paint, paper, and chalk. She also adds everyday items. These can include cosmetics and toiletries.

Her sculptures often look like they are "almost" something, but not quite. They mix different art forms. These include sculpture, painting, and even performance art. Her works can be very large, but also look very delicate.

She loves to experiment with how materials behave. She uses them in a beautiful way, but also keeps them looking raw. Even though she calls herself a sculptor, her art pushes the boundaries of what sculpture can be. She says her works are "almost painting, almost installation, almost performance art."

Karla Black is inspired by ideas about how the mind works. She is especially interested in the writings of Melanie Klein. Klein was a famous thinker who helped create child psychology.

One of Black's artworks is called "Made to Wait" (2009). It features a sheet of clear cellophane. This sheet floats like an invisible screen. The bottom part of it is covered with paint and makeup. This piece is described as both "hard to grasp" and "solid." It focuses on the physical experience of the materials. It doesn't try to tell a story or have a hidden meaning.

Where to Find Her Art

Karla Black's art is part of many important collections. You can find her work at the Arts Council Collection in London. It is also at the Dallas Museum of Art and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Other places include the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Tate.