Artwork copyright Alexis Rockman. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Artwork copyright Alexis Rockman. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Artwork copyright Alexis Rockman. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Alexis Rockman. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Alexis Rockman. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Alexis Rockman. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Alexis Rockman. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

A Recent History of the World, 1997-98

Alexis Rockman
(American, born 1962)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

A Recent History of the World by artist Alexis Rockman is a parody of an old world map at the Museum of Natural History in New York City. Interested in the natural sciences, the artist depicts the world surrounded by images of extinct species, those nearing extinction, as well as references to cultures threatened by extinction.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with University of Washington.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist Alexis Rockman creates lush paintings that show a future landscape impacted by extinction, deforestation, climate change, genetic engineering, and ecological crises. His art expresses deep concerns about the future of our planet.

Rockman grew up in New York City. He studied animation at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and continued studies at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1985. He lives and works in New York City and Connecticut. Rockman has had exhibitions at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington D.C., and others.