TEX HAMMOND
At just 18 years old, Tex Hammond is already deeply embedded in the art world, a feat that speaks to his artistic prowess, incredible work ethic, and inherent talent. Born Jefferson Texas Hammond on January 31, 2007, in Los Angeles, California, he began painting at a very early age. From those first forays into art, his love and understanding of the medium were apparent, foreshadowing a long and varied career. Little did his family and friends know that he would be embarking on a successful career starting in his early teens. Inspired by various media including graffiti, video games, music, and abstract art, Hammond deftly incorporates the pop culture interests synonymous with youth into each of his pieces. Through abstract techniques and unconventional surfaces, he is taking a definitive step toward modernizing classic genres while simultaneously giving “trash” a second, eco-conscious life and beauty.
In the span of three years, Hammond has already held three solo shows in Los Angeles, each of which demonstrated an inspiring balance between artistry and philanthropy. His accomplishments are impressive—regardless of his age—which further emphasizes his standing in the art world. These include charitable donations to The Tree Academy for the Creative Arts in West Hollywood, Miles 4 Migrants, and PS ARTS, creating LA’s first-ever drive-thru art show, and being the youngest exhibitor at the LA Art Show for two consecutive years with sold-out shows. He has also had his work featured in HBO’s The Hype and was highlighted in the LA Times.
Now residing in New York and studying at the School of Visual Arts, Hammond continues to refine and define his style while hoping to travel more in the coming year. Even amidst a backdrop of immense, established talent, Tex stands out. His unique perspective and willingness to experiment with different media are already setting him apart, making his art a window into the mind of a young talent maturing in a chaotic world.