How Clipboards Came to be a Popular Medium in Art
Clipboards have been used as tools for organizing papers and notes for many years. However, they have also found a new purpose as a medium for some artists. Clipboards are lightweight and portable, which makes them a convenient surface for drawing, painting, and other artistic applications. But which artists commonly use clipboards in their work? Let’s explore some of them.
Tracey Emin
Tracey Emin is an English artist known for her confessional art. In many of her works, Emin uses clipboards to present her drawings, sketches, and thoughts. Her pieces are often raw and personal, and the clipboard becomes a canvas for expressing her ideas.
Julie Mehretu
Julie Mehretu is an Ethiopian-American artist who works on large-scale canvases. However, she also likes to use smaller surfaces such as clipboards. Mehretu’s works are abstract and geometric, and she describes herself as a “mapmaker,” creating layered compositions that explore space and time.
Lorna Simpson
Lorna Simpson is a multimedia artist known for her video installations, sculptures, and photography. However, she also creates drawings and collages that she presents on clipboards. Simpson often uses found images and text to create layered narratives that explore issues of race, gender, and identity.
Kaws
Kaws, also known as Brian Donnelly, is an American artist who started as a graffiti artist before moving on to fine art. He often uses clipboards in his works, creating whimsical characters and designs with acrylic and marker pens. Kaws’ art has become popular in recent years, and his works often sell for millions of dollars.
Amanda Gorman
Amanda Gorman is a poet and activist who gained national attention when she recited her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the 2021 presidential inauguration. Gorman often writes her poetry on clipboards, which she finds helpful for editing and revising her work on the go. She has also said that clipboards keep her work organized and help her keep track of her ideas.
Clipboards have become a popular medium for many artists, from confessional artists like Tracey Emin to abstract mapmakers like Julie Mehretu. Their lightweight and portable nature make them a convenient surface for drawing, painting, and other artistic endeavors. As artists continue to push the boundaries of what can be considered art, it’s likely that we’ll see even more innovative uses for clipboards in the future.
