I WOULD LIKE TO SIMPLY SAY MERCI BEAUTIFUL !!!!!
I WOULD LIKE TO SIMPLY SAY MERCI BEAUTIFUL !!!!!

Artist, scarf and chair- 20 X 24 in- Site- Specific- Performance/Photography- Gelatin Silver Print- 2025 Keith O. Anderson ©

I WOULD LIKE TO SIMPLY SAY MERCI BEAUTIFUL !!!!
I WOULD LIKE TO SIMPLY SAY MERCI BEAUTIFUL !!!!

Artist and chair- 20 × 24 inch- Site-Specific- Performance/Photography- Gelatin Silver Print- 2025 Keith O. Anderson ©

I WOULD LIKE TO SIMPLY SAY MERCI BEAUTIFUL !!!!
I WOULD LIKE TO SIMPLY SAY MERCI BEAUTIFUL !!!!

Artist and chair- 20 × 24 inch- Site- Specific- Performance/Photography- Gelatin Silver Print- 2025- Keith O. Anderson ©

Me, Spirituality, and humility........
Me, Spirituality, and humility........

Artist and matchsticks- 20 × 24 in- Site-specific Performance/Photography- Gelatin Silver Print- 2023 Keith O. Anderson ©

Me, Spirituality, and humility............
Me, Spirituality, and humility............

Artist and matchsticks- 20 × 24 in- Site-specific- Performance /Photography- Gelatin Silver Print- 2023 Keith O Anderson ©

Me, Spirituality, and humility.......
Me, Spirituality, and humility.......

Artist and matchsticks- 20 X 24- Site- specific- Performance/Photography- Gelatin Silver print- 2023- Keith O.Anderson ©

A LIFE IN 9 OR 7 THOUGHTS WITH A PRAYER CLOTH RESTING ON  MY CHEST ACTING AS A SHIELD AS HE WHO MAKES THINGS CONTEMPLATES A LIFE LIVED WELL THUS FAR
A LIFE IN 9 OR 7 THOUGHTS WITH A PRAYER CLOTH RESTING ON MY CHEST ACTING AS A SHIELD AS HE WHO MAKES THINGS CONTEMPLATES A LIFE LIVED WELL THUS FAR

Artist, chair, piece of fabric retrieved from the garbage and 3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads- Site -specific- Photography/performance- 2023 Keith O. Anderson ©

Historically the prayer cloth was a piece of fabric Christians prayed over and distributed to those whom desire healing. My first introduction to the prayer cloth was through my beloved grandmother Tanser Anderson. She was an ardent supporter of the charismatic Rev.Ike, a minister and evangelist based in New York. She would faithfully procure her small purple silk prayer via mail. I, myself was taken aback upon laying my eyes on the purple silk fabric for the first time, nothing exceptional nor did I feel that some innate power was embedded in it. My own personal spiritual journey has never recognized organized religion as a point of reference. I positioned 3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads on to a piece of fabric that I retrieved from the garbage. With the hope it brings me financial abundance and a spiritual engagement that will accompany me until I expire.

A LIFE IN 9 OR 7 THOUGHTS WITH A PRAYER CLOTH RESTING ON MY CHEST ACTING AS SHIELD AS HE WHO CONTEMPLATES A LIFE LIVED WELL THUS FAR
A LIFE IN 9 OR 7 THOUGHTS WITH A PRAYER CLOTH RESTING ON MY CHEST ACTING AS SHIELD AS HE WHO CONTEMPLATES A LIFE LIVED WELL THUS FAR

Plants, 3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads on fabric that serves as a place for offerings- Site Specific- Photography- 2023- Keith O. Anderson ©

A LIFE IN 9 OR 7 THOUGHTS WITH A PRAYER CLOTH RESTING ON MY CHEST ACTING AS A SHIELD AS HE WHO  CONTEMPLATES A LIFE LIVED WELL THUS FAR
A LIFE IN 9 OR 7 THOUGHTS WITH A PRAYER CLOTH RESTING ON MY CHEST ACTING AS A SHIELD AS HE WHO CONTEMPLATES A LIFE LIVED WELL THUS FAR

Fabric and 3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads placed intentionally on an existing framed drawing of an unknown artist- Site- Specific- Photography/Installation- 2023- Keith O. Anderson ©

Annotare
Annotare

3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads on Artist hands- 20 × 24 in- Site-Specific-Performance/Photography- 2022- Keith O. Anderson ©

Annotare
Annotare

3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads on Artist skin (lower body)- 20 × 24 in - Site-Specific- Performance/Photography- 2022 Keith O. Anderson ©

Annotare
Annotare

3/8 of an inch white circular white felt pads on Artist skin (lower back, buttocks and legs)- 20 × 24 in- Site-Specific- Performance/Photography- 2022 Keith O. Anderson ©

Inspired by one of the oldest African traditions and art forms, “Body Painting” this particular ritual is one of several (scarification, deformation of the skull, perforations of the ear, nose, and mouth), that has been perpetuated from generation to generation in the pursuit of conveying beauty, cultural identity, initiation rites, and social status. Whilst building a link between the natural and spirit worlds. As, I reference this act of embellishing the body with painted-on small white dots, I spontaneously position 3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads on to an isolated area of my bare skin as oppose to mimicking this archetypical painting process associated with this dynamic activity. The introduction of felt pads, which are traditionally placed underneath the bottoms of chairs and stools to protect hardwood floors from unsightly marks and scratches, enables me to conceptually transfer this idea in application to my bare skin speaks to illustrating intimacy in the ritual, and my proclivity for spiritualizing each component of my body. This performance is carried out in the privacy of my studio or a designated public space devoid of all human activity. I shoot with a 35mm manual camera, utilizing solely the natural light illuminating the space I inhabit at that moment. Upon depositing felt pads on to my unclad body, I begin a series of extemporaneous movements: sitting, reclining, standing, moving, bending, and gesticulating. Throughout this process I am photographing and shooting my body from various angles as I document this ritual.

Annotare
Annotare

3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads on Artist skin- 20 x 24inch- Site-Specific-Performance/Photography 2022 - Keith O. Anderson ©

Elle pour , pour Elle Breonna Taylor
Elle pour , pour Elle Breonna Taylor

Fat crayon and a discarded mattress I found upright leaning against a shelf along the sidewalk on the Lower Eastside around 4 am in the morning- 2020 Site-Specific- Keith O. Anderson ©

Elle pour, pour Elle,  Breonna Taylor
Elle pour, pour Elle, Breonna Taylor

Fat crayon and a mattress I found upright leaning against a shelf along the sidewalk on the Lower Eastside around 4am in the morning- 2020- Site- Specific- Keith O. Anderson ©

Matisse's harrowing escape from boredom
Matisse's harrowing escape from boredom

3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads on tree- Dimensions variable- Site-Specific- 2020- Keith O. Anderson ©

Matisse's harrowing escape from boredom
Matisse's harrowing escape from boredom

3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads on tree- Dimensions variable- Site-Specific- Keith O. Anderson ©

Fasting, rain and Toni Morrison voice
Fasting, rain and Toni Morrison voice

3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads on chair- Dimensions Variable- 2019 Keith O. Anderson ©

Nuova Finestra
Nuova Finestra

3/4 of an inch white circular felt pads positioned on to a window- Site- Specific- 20 × 24 in- Gelatin Silver Print- Photography- 2019- Keith O. Anderson ©

Trestle Residency Group  Exhibition Curated by Carmen Hermo, 2018
Trestle Residency Group Exhibition Curated by Carmen Hermo, 2018

Installation View, These are not my colors- Burnt marks and a discarded painted dropcloth retrieved from the garbage- 53 x 69 1/2 in- 2018 - Keith O. Anderson ©

Sitting here on this bench waiting and hoping that I will meet a poet today
Sitting here on this bench waiting and hoping that I will meet a poet today

Black wrap aluminum foil, burnt marks and china marker- 47 1 /2 × 70 in- 2017- Keith O. Anderson ©

Playground closes at dusk
Playground closes at dusk

Plaster prepared by artist, wood, burnt marks and light bulb- Support- 17 × 23 ½ in- Sculpture 13 × 15 in - 2016 Keith O. Anderson ©

Unmasking Masculinity for  the 21st Century, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 2022
Unmasking Masculinity for the 21st Century, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 2022

Installation View, Featuring Artists: Keith O. Anderson, Catherine Opie, Kahlil Joseph, Brendan Fernandes, Lyle Ashton Harris, Arthur Java, Mark Bradford, Nick Cave, Jeffrey Gibson, Derek Fordjour, Mike Kelly, Yashua Klos, Deanna Lawson, Pixy Liao, Joe Overstreet, Ebony G. Patterson, Patrick Quarm, Felandus Thames, William Werge, Kehinde Wiley, Robin Rhode, Andy Warhol, Earlie Hudnall Jr, Sheila Pee Bright, Alex Katz, and Robert Mappelthorpe. Co-Curator Rehema C. Barber and Larry Ossei-Mensah Independent Curator

Unmasking Masculinity for the 21st Century, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 2022
Unmasking Masculinity for the 21st Century, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 2022

Detail, Throne- Matchsticks, archival glue, linseed oil, fire residue- 36 × 16 × 16 in- 2010- 2011 Keith O. Anderson ©

Co- Curated by Rehema C. Barber, Chief Curator and Larry Ossei-Mensah, Independent Curator

Annual Juried Exhibition @ Baxter ST AT CCNY, 2017
Annual Juried Exhibition @ Baxter ST AT CCNY, 2017

Installation View: Group Exhibition featuring Artists, Keith O. Anderson, Res, and Qian Zhao: Curated by Andrianna Campbell

Annual juried Exhibition @ Baxter ST at CCNY Curated buy Adrianna Campbell, 2017
Annual juried Exhibition @ Baxter ST at CCNY Curated buy Adrianna Campbell, 2017

Detail: La, La, means I love you- 3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads non Artist skin (head, face and shoulder)- 11 × 14 in- Site-specific- Performance/Photography- Keith O. Anderson ©

Annual juried Exhibition@ Baxter ST at  CCNY Curated by Adrianna Campbell, 2017
Annual juried Exhibition@ Baxter ST at CCNY Curated by Adrianna Campbell, 2017

Detail: La main gauche se lave la main droite et la main droite se lave la main gauche (West African proverb)- 3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads non artist head- 20 × 24 in- Site- Specific- Performance/Photography- Gelatin Silver Print- 2004 Keith O. Anderson ©

For Nico, ......because  2015
For Nico, ......because 2015

Documentation of me installing, For Nico, because,- I am positioning hand torn strips of Black archival masking tape on to the surface of the window and window frame. I was captivated by the idea of hand torn strips of Black archival masking tape projecting from the surfaces of the window and the window frame. The interplay of artificial light and natural light caressing the adhesive side of the masking tape creating an iridescent effect of which was not planned. Keith O. Anderson ©

Annual Juried Exhibition @ Baxter ST AT CCNY Curated by Adrianna  Campbell
Annual Juried Exhibition @ Baxter ST AT CCNY Curated by Adrianna Campbell

Detail: I no longer write poems for her- 3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads on artist genitals and lower body- Site-Specific- 11 x 14 in- Performance/Photography- Gelatin Silver Print- 2013 Keith O. Anderson (c)

Approaching 273.15 C° Academic Gallery Group Exhibition, 2015
Approaching 273.15 C° Academic Gallery Group Exhibition, 2015

Installation View, For Nico, because…..- Hand torn strips of Black archival masking tape positioned on the surfaces of the window and window frame- 79 x 117- Site-Specific- 2015 Keith O. Anderson (c) Curated by Michael Sarf featuring artists: Keith O. Anderson, Marcy Chevalier, and James Cullinae: Curated by Michael Sarf

Approaching- 273.15 C° at Academic Gallery, Curated by Michael Sarff, 2015
Approaching- 273.15 C° at Academic Gallery, Curated by Michael Sarff, 2015

Detail: For Nico, because……..- Hand torn strips of Black archival masking tape positioned on the surfaces of the window and window frame- 79 x 117 in- Site-Specific- 2015- Keith O. Anderson ©

Approaching -273.15.° Curated by Michael Sarff,  2015
Approaching -273.15.° Curated by Michael Sarff, 2015

Detail: In this Box- Cardboard box, powder pigment, acrylic paint, primer, staples, and asphalt saturated cotton fabric- 17 × 18.5 × 19 in- 2015 Keith O. Anderson ©

TEN-10 A Curated Artist Salon Group Exhibition, Cindy Rucker Gallery, 2014
TEN-10 A Curated Artist Salon Group Exhibition, Cindy Rucker Gallery, 2014

Installation View of Artist Salon Group Exhibition, Curated by Eun Young Chi, Ian Cofré, William Cordova, David Andrew Frey, Jason Keeling, Rick Herron, Colette, Brad Silk, Cindy Rucker, and Southfirst.

TEN: A Curated Artist Salon, Cindy Rucker Gallery, 2014
TEN: A Curated Artist Salon, Cindy Rucker Gallery, 2014

During the year 2010, I participated in a Group Exhibition organized by the Curator Christine Licata. On the last day of the exhibition I brought my 35mm camera, and I asked her to photograph me wearing my sculpture around my neck, while executing a series of extemporaneous movements in the gallery space inhabited by natural light. I set up the camera for Christine and she did the rest, my aim was to experience all of her sensibilities, and apprehensions.

(Detail: To Tanser Anderson, Eva Hesse, Jackie Winsor, and Leontyne Price,Sculpture (around the neck of the Artist)- Wiggleboard, and dry almonds archival glue- 2008-09- Site-Specific- Performance/Photography- Gelatin Silver Print- 11 x 14 in- 2010 Keith O. Anderson ©

BEAT, Curated by Stephanie A. Lindquist
BEAT, Curated by Stephanie A. Lindquist

Group Exhibition featuring Artists; Keith O. Anderson, Michael Paul Britto, Glendaly’s Medina, Crystal Z. Campbell, Jeff Kurosaki, Devin Kenny, Tara Pelletier, Daniel Santiago Salguero, R. Armstrong.

Purification, (My melody)- Spray paint, stencil letters, and music stand- Dimensions variable- 2017-Installation- Keith O. Anderson ©

What Becomes of a Broken Heart, Cindy Rucker Gallery, 2010
What Becomes of a Broken Heart, Cindy Rucker Gallery, 2010

Installation View: This side of the bed is occupied- Matchsticks (all cut by hand by the Artist), wood glue and a piece of wood- 4 ½ x 16 × 5 in- 2002 Keith O. Anderson ©

What Becomes of a Broken Heart, Cindy Rucker Gallery, 2010
What Becomes of a Broken Heart, Cindy Rucker Gallery, 2010

Detail: This side of the bed is occupied- Matchsticks (all the tips/heads of the matches were cut by hand by the Artist), wood glue and a piece of wood glue- 4 1/2 x 16 × 5 in- 2002 Keith O. Anderson ©

What Becomes of a Broken Heart, Cindy Rucker Gallery, 2010
What Becomes of a Broken Heart, Cindy Rucker Gallery, 2010

Autoportrait- Dry golden raisins and the Artist shirt- 2009 Keith O. Anderson ©

THE HAPPENING: Kinesics as Art Object, Group Exhibition, Rush Arts Gallery, 2009
THE HAPPENING: Kinesics as Art Object, Group Exhibition, Rush Arts Gallery, 2009

Last night a DJ saved my life with a song- Straight pins penetrating the skin of the Artist foot- Performance/Photography- C-Print- 20 x 24 in- 2007 Keith O. Anderson ©

Straight pins penetrating the skin of the Artist foot, therefore becoming a receptacle for ideas and emotions- Keith O. Anderson ©

Group Exhibition Curated by Nico Wheadon featuring Artist: Keith O. Anderson, Ezra Wube, Wayne Hodge, Jessica Lagunas, Johannes DeYoung, Regina Locke, Legato Shade

THE HAPPENING: Kinesics as Art Object, Group Exhibition, Rush Arts, 2009
THE HAPPENING: Kinesics as Art Object, Group Exhibition, Rush Arts, 2009

She says I don’t kiss her everyday like I used to- Latex flat paint mixed with dry pigment, uncooked Black eyed peas, and wood- 4 x 5 x 3 in- Site-Specific- 2009 Keith O. Anderson © Curated By Nico Wheadon Featuring Artists: Keith O. Anderson, Ezra Wube, Jessica Lagunas, Johannes DeYoung, Wayne Hodge, Regina Rocke, Lerato Shadi

Everywhere, Nowhere, Somewhere.... Powerhouse Memphis Curated by Rehema Barber, 2009
Everywhere, Nowhere, Somewhere.... Powerhouse Memphis Curated by Rehema Barber, 2009

As Africa Turns- Burnt marks, and broken vinyl record, and dust- 12 x 10 in- 2008- Installation- Keith O. Anderson (c)

Group Exhibition Curated by Rehema Barber featuring artists Keith O. Anderson, Dwayne Butcher, Shelia Pree Bright, Tam Tran, Joel Parsons, Jonathan and Mary Postal, Jack Ryan, Marie Irmgard, and Charles Huntley Nelson.

Flattened, Group Exhibition Evanston Art Center, 2006
Flattened, Group Exhibition Evanston Art Center, 2006

Installation View: Nigger this, Nigger that, an on, an on, an on, until we/they just don’t stop !- Wood Clothes pins (each clothespin was painted by hand by the Artist), and acrylic household paint mixed with dry pigment - Dimensions Variable- 2006- Site-Specific Installation- Keith O. Anderson ©

Flattened, Group Exhibition Evanston Art Center, 2006
Flattened, Group Exhibition Evanston Art Center, 2006

Nigger this, Nigger that, an on, an on, an on, until we/they just don’t stop ! - Wood clothes pins (each clothespin was painted by hand by the Artist), acrylic household paint mixed with dry pigment- 2006- Site-Specific Installation- Keith O. Anderson ©

Keith Anderson: New Work, I Space Gallery The Chicago Gallery of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Keith Anderson: New Work, I Space Gallery The Chicago Gallery of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

For Theolonious Monk- Razorblades, glue, and cotton puffs- Dimensions variable- Installation- 2005 Keith O. Anderson ©

Keith Anderson: New Work, I Space Gallery, The Chicago Gallery of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign
Keith Anderson: New Work, I Space Gallery, The Chicago Gallery of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign

Alberto Giacometti and I lunch at having at his favorite restaurant and never once did we entertain the thought of being swooped upon by the pretentious ones- Strips of unprimed cotton canvas (cut by hand) - Installation- 2004- 2008 Keith O. Anderson ©

I WOULD LIKE TO SIMPLY SAY MERCI BEAUTIFUL !!!!!
I WOULD LIKE TO SIMPLY SAY MERCI BEAUTIFUL !!!!
I WOULD LIKE TO SIMPLY SAY MERCI BEAUTIFUL !!!!
Me, Spirituality, and humility........
Me, Spirituality, and humility............
Me, Spirituality, and humility.......
A LIFE IN 9 OR 7 THOUGHTS WITH A PRAYER CLOTH RESTING ON  MY CHEST ACTING AS A SHIELD AS HE WHO MAKES THINGS CONTEMPLATES A LIFE LIVED WELL THUS FAR
A LIFE IN 9 OR 7 THOUGHTS WITH A PRAYER CLOTH RESTING ON MY CHEST ACTING AS SHIELD AS HE WHO CONTEMPLATES A LIFE LIVED WELL THUS FAR
A LIFE IN 9 OR 7 THOUGHTS WITH A PRAYER CLOTH RESTING ON MY CHEST ACTING AS A SHIELD AS HE WHO  CONTEMPLATES A LIFE LIVED WELL THUS FAR
Annotare
Annotare
Annotare
Annotare
Elle pour , pour Elle Breonna Taylor
Elle pour, pour Elle,  Breonna Taylor
Matisse's harrowing escape from boredom
Matisse's harrowing escape from boredom
Fasting, rain and Toni Morrison voice
Nuova Finestra
Trestle Residency Group  Exhibition Curated by Carmen Hermo, 2018
Sitting here on this bench waiting and hoping that I will meet a poet today
Playground closes at dusk
Unmasking Masculinity for  the 21st Century, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 2022
Unmasking Masculinity for the 21st Century, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 2022
Annual Juried Exhibition @ Baxter ST AT CCNY, 2017
Annual juried Exhibition @ Baxter ST at CCNY Curated buy Adrianna Campbell, 2017
Annual juried Exhibition@ Baxter ST at  CCNY Curated by Adrianna Campbell, 2017
For Nico, ......because  2015
Annual Juried Exhibition @ Baxter ST AT CCNY Curated by Adrianna  Campbell
Approaching 273.15 C° Academic Gallery Group Exhibition, 2015
Approaching- 273.15 C° at Academic Gallery, Curated by Michael Sarff, 2015
Approaching -273.15.° Curated by Michael Sarff,  2015
TEN-10 A Curated Artist Salon Group Exhibition, Cindy Rucker Gallery, 2014
TEN: A Curated Artist Salon, Cindy Rucker Gallery, 2014
BEAT, Curated by Stephanie A. Lindquist
What Becomes of a Broken Heart, Cindy Rucker Gallery, 2010
What Becomes of a Broken Heart, Cindy Rucker Gallery, 2010
What Becomes of a Broken Heart, Cindy Rucker Gallery, 2010
THE HAPPENING: Kinesics as Art Object, Group Exhibition, Rush Arts Gallery, 2009
THE HAPPENING: Kinesics as Art Object, Group Exhibition, Rush Arts, 2009
Everywhere, Nowhere, Somewhere.... Powerhouse Memphis Curated by Rehema Barber, 2009
Flattened, Group Exhibition Evanston Art Center, 2006
Flattened, Group Exhibition Evanston Art Center, 2006
Keith Anderson: New Work, I Space Gallery The Chicago Gallery of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Keith Anderson: New Work, I Space Gallery, The Chicago Gallery of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign
I WOULD LIKE TO SIMPLY SAY MERCI BEAUTIFUL !!!!!

Artist, scarf and chair- 20 X 24 in- Site- Specific- Performance/Photography- Gelatin Silver Print- 2025 Keith O. Anderson ©

I WOULD LIKE TO SIMPLY SAY MERCI BEAUTIFUL !!!!

Artist and chair- 20 × 24 inch- Site-Specific- Performance/Photography- Gelatin Silver Print- 2025 Keith O. Anderson ©

I WOULD LIKE TO SIMPLY SAY MERCI BEAUTIFUL !!!!

Artist and chair- 20 × 24 inch- Site- Specific- Performance/Photography- Gelatin Silver Print- 2025- Keith O. Anderson ©

Me, Spirituality, and humility........

Artist and matchsticks- 20 × 24 in- Site-specific Performance/Photography- Gelatin Silver Print- 2023 Keith O. Anderson ©

Me, Spirituality, and humility............

Artist and matchsticks- 20 × 24 in- Site-specific- Performance /Photography- Gelatin Silver Print- 2023 Keith O Anderson ©

Me, Spirituality, and humility.......

Artist and matchsticks- 20 X 24- Site- specific- Performance/Photography- Gelatin Silver print- 2023- Keith O.Anderson ©

A LIFE IN 9 OR 7 THOUGHTS WITH A PRAYER CLOTH RESTING ON MY CHEST ACTING AS A SHIELD AS HE WHO MAKES THINGS CONTEMPLATES A LIFE LIVED WELL THUS FAR

Artist, chair, piece of fabric retrieved from the garbage and 3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads- Site -specific- Photography/performance- 2023 Keith O. Anderson ©

Historically the prayer cloth was a piece of fabric Christians prayed over and distributed to those whom desire healing. My first introduction to the prayer cloth was through my beloved grandmother Tanser Anderson. She was an ardent supporter of the charismatic Rev.Ike, a minister and evangelist based in New York. She would faithfully procure her small purple silk prayer via mail. I, myself was taken aback upon laying my eyes on the purple silk fabric for the first time, nothing exceptional nor did I feel that some innate power was embedded in it. My own personal spiritual journey has never recognized organized religion as a point of reference. I positioned 3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads on to a piece of fabric that I retrieved from the garbage. With the hope it brings me financial abundance and a spiritual engagement that will accompany me until I expire.

A LIFE IN 9 OR 7 THOUGHTS WITH A PRAYER CLOTH RESTING ON MY CHEST ACTING AS SHIELD AS HE WHO CONTEMPLATES A LIFE LIVED WELL THUS FAR

Plants, 3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads on fabric that serves as a place for offerings- Site Specific- Photography- 2023- Keith O. Anderson ©

A LIFE IN 9 OR 7 THOUGHTS WITH A PRAYER CLOTH RESTING ON MY CHEST ACTING AS A SHIELD AS HE WHO CONTEMPLATES A LIFE LIVED WELL THUS FAR

Fabric and 3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads placed intentionally on an existing framed drawing of an unknown artist- Site- Specific- Photography/Installation- 2023- Keith O. Anderson ©

Annotare

3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads on Artist hands- 20 × 24 in- Site-Specific-Performance/Photography- 2022- Keith O. Anderson ©

Annotare

3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads on Artist skin (lower body)- 20 × 24 in - Site-Specific- Performance/Photography- 2022 Keith O. Anderson ©

Annotare

3/8 of an inch white circular white felt pads on Artist skin (lower back, buttocks and legs)- 20 × 24 in- Site-Specific- Performance/Photography- 2022 Keith O. Anderson ©

Inspired by one of the oldest African traditions and art forms, “Body Painting” this particular ritual is one of several (scarification, deformation of the skull, perforations of the ear, nose, and mouth), that has been perpetuated from generation to generation in the pursuit of conveying beauty, cultural identity, initiation rites, and social status. Whilst building a link between the natural and spirit worlds. As, I reference this act of embellishing the body with painted-on small white dots, I spontaneously position 3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads on to an isolated area of my bare skin as oppose to mimicking this archetypical painting process associated with this dynamic activity. The introduction of felt pads, which are traditionally placed underneath the bottoms of chairs and stools to protect hardwood floors from unsightly marks and scratches, enables me to conceptually transfer this idea in application to my bare skin speaks to illustrating intimacy in the ritual, and my proclivity for spiritualizing each component of my body. This performance is carried out in the privacy of my studio or a designated public space devoid of all human activity. I shoot with a 35mm manual camera, utilizing solely the natural light illuminating the space I inhabit at that moment. Upon depositing felt pads on to my unclad body, I begin a series of extemporaneous movements: sitting, reclining, standing, moving, bending, and gesticulating. Throughout this process I am photographing and shooting my body from various angles as I document this ritual.

Annotare

3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads on Artist skin- 20 x 24inch- Site-Specific-Performance/Photography 2022 - Keith O. Anderson ©

Elle pour , pour Elle Breonna Taylor

Fat crayon and a discarded mattress I found upright leaning against a shelf along the sidewalk on the Lower Eastside around 4 am in the morning- 2020 Site-Specific- Keith O. Anderson ©

Elle pour, pour Elle, Breonna Taylor

Fat crayon and a mattress I found upright leaning against a shelf along the sidewalk on the Lower Eastside around 4am in the morning- 2020- Site- Specific- Keith O. Anderson ©

Matisse's harrowing escape from boredom

3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads on tree- Dimensions variable- Site-Specific- 2020- Keith O. Anderson ©

Matisse's harrowing escape from boredom

3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads on tree- Dimensions variable- Site-Specific- Keith O. Anderson ©

Fasting, rain and Toni Morrison voice

3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads on chair- Dimensions Variable- 2019 Keith O. Anderson ©

Nuova Finestra

3/4 of an inch white circular felt pads positioned on to a window- Site- Specific- 20 × 24 in- Gelatin Silver Print- Photography- 2019- Keith O. Anderson ©

Trestle Residency Group Exhibition Curated by Carmen Hermo, 2018

Installation View, These are not my colors- Burnt marks and a discarded painted dropcloth retrieved from the garbage- 53 x 69 1/2 in- 2018 - Keith O. Anderson ©

Sitting here on this bench waiting and hoping that I will meet a poet today

Black wrap aluminum foil, burnt marks and china marker- 47 1 /2 × 70 in- 2017- Keith O. Anderson ©

Playground closes at dusk

Plaster prepared by artist, wood, burnt marks and light bulb- Support- 17 × 23 ½ in- Sculpture 13 × 15 in - 2016 Keith O. Anderson ©

Unmasking Masculinity for the 21st Century, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 2022

Installation View, Featuring Artists: Keith O. Anderson, Catherine Opie, Kahlil Joseph, Brendan Fernandes, Lyle Ashton Harris, Arthur Java, Mark Bradford, Nick Cave, Jeffrey Gibson, Derek Fordjour, Mike Kelly, Yashua Klos, Deanna Lawson, Pixy Liao, Joe Overstreet, Ebony G. Patterson, Patrick Quarm, Felandus Thames, William Werge, Kehinde Wiley, Robin Rhode, Andy Warhol, Earlie Hudnall Jr, Sheila Pee Bright, Alex Katz, and Robert Mappelthorpe. Co-Curator Rehema C. Barber and Larry Ossei-Mensah Independent Curator

Unmasking Masculinity for the 21st Century, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 2022

Detail, Throne- Matchsticks, archival glue, linseed oil, fire residue- 36 × 16 × 16 in- 2010- 2011 Keith O. Anderson ©

Co- Curated by Rehema C. Barber, Chief Curator and Larry Ossei-Mensah, Independent Curator

Annual Juried Exhibition @ Baxter ST AT CCNY, 2017

Installation View: Group Exhibition featuring Artists, Keith O. Anderson, Res, and Qian Zhao: Curated by Andrianna Campbell

Annual juried Exhibition @ Baxter ST at CCNY Curated buy Adrianna Campbell, 2017

Detail: La, La, means I love you- 3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads non Artist skin (head, face and shoulder)- 11 × 14 in- Site-specific- Performance/Photography- Keith O. Anderson ©

Annual juried Exhibition@ Baxter ST at CCNY Curated by Adrianna Campbell, 2017

Detail: La main gauche se lave la main droite et la main droite se lave la main gauche (West African proverb)- 3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads non artist head- 20 × 24 in- Site- Specific- Performance/Photography- Gelatin Silver Print- 2004 Keith O. Anderson ©

For Nico, ......because 2015

Documentation of me installing, For Nico, because,- I am positioning hand torn strips of Black archival masking tape on to the surface of the window and window frame. I was captivated by the idea of hand torn strips of Black archival masking tape projecting from the surfaces of the window and the window frame. The interplay of artificial light and natural light caressing the adhesive side of the masking tape creating an iridescent effect of which was not planned. Keith O. Anderson ©

Annual Juried Exhibition @ Baxter ST AT CCNY Curated by Adrianna Campbell

Detail: I no longer write poems for her- 3/8 of an inch white circular felt pads on artist genitals and lower body- Site-Specific- 11 x 14 in- Performance/Photography- Gelatin Silver Print- 2013 Keith O. Anderson (c)

Approaching 273.15 C° Academic Gallery Group Exhibition, 2015

Installation View, For Nico, because…..- Hand torn strips of Black archival masking tape positioned on the surfaces of the window and window frame- 79 x 117- Site-Specific- 2015 Keith O. Anderson (c) Curated by Michael Sarf featuring artists: Keith O. Anderson, Marcy Chevalier, and James Cullinae: Curated by Michael Sarf

Approaching- 273.15 C° at Academic Gallery, Curated by Michael Sarff, 2015

Detail: For Nico, because……..- Hand torn strips of Black archival masking tape positioned on the surfaces of the window and window frame- 79 x 117 in- Site-Specific- 2015- Keith O. Anderson ©

Approaching -273.15.° Curated by Michael Sarff, 2015

Detail: In this Box- Cardboard box, powder pigment, acrylic paint, primer, staples, and asphalt saturated cotton fabric- 17 × 18.5 × 19 in- 2015 Keith O. Anderson ©

TEN-10 A Curated Artist Salon Group Exhibition, Cindy Rucker Gallery, 2014

Installation View of Artist Salon Group Exhibition, Curated by Eun Young Chi, Ian Cofré, William Cordova, David Andrew Frey, Jason Keeling, Rick Herron, Colette, Brad Silk, Cindy Rucker, and Southfirst.

TEN: A Curated Artist Salon, Cindy Rucker Gallery, 2014

During the year 2010, I participated in a Group Exhibition organized by the Curator Christine Licata. On the last day of the exhibition I brought my 35mm camera, and I asked her to photograph me wearing my sculpture around my neck, while executing a series of extemporaneous movements in the gallery space inhabited by natural light. I set up the camera for Christine and she did the rest, my aim was to experience all of her sensibilities, and apprehensions.

(Detail: To Tanser Anderson, Eva Hesse, Jackie Winsor, and Leontyne Price,Sculpture (around the neck of the Artist)- Wiggleboard, and dry almonds archival glue- 2008-09- Site-Specific- Performance/Photography- Gelatin Silver Print- 11 x 14 in- 2010 Keith O. Anderson ©

BEAT, Curated by Stephanie A. Lindquist

Group Exhibition featuring Artists; Keith O. Anderson, Michael Paul Britto, Glendaly’s Medina, Crystal Z. Campbell, Jeff Kurosaki, Devin Kenny, Tara Pelletier, Daniel Santiago Salguero, R. Armstrong.

Purification, (My melody)- Spray paint, stencil letters, and music stand- Dimensions variable- 2017-Installation- Keith O. Anderson ©

What Becomes of a Broken Heart, Cindy Rucker Gallery, 2010

Installation View: This side of the bed is occupied- Matchsticks (all cut by hand by the Artist), wood glue and a piece of wood- 4 ½ x 16 × 5 in- 2002 Keith O. Anderson ©

What Becomes of a Broken Heart, Cindy Rucker Gallery, 2010

Detail: This side of the bed is occupied- Matchsticks (all the tips/heads of the matches were cut by hand by the Artist), wood glue and a piece of wood glue- 4 1/2 x 16 × 5 in- 2002 Keith O. Anderson ©

What Becomes of a Broken Heart, Cindy Rucker Gallery, 2010

Autoportrait- Dry golden raisins and the Artist shirt- 2009 Keith O. Anderson ©

THE HAPPENING: Kinesics as Art Object, Group Exhibition, Rush Arts Gallery, 2009

Last night a DJ saved my life with a song- Straight pins penetrating the skin of the Artist foot- Performance/Photography- C-Print- 20 x 24 in- 2007 Keith O. Anderson ©

Straight pins penetrating the skin of the Artist foot, therefore becoming a receptacle for ideas and emotions- Keith O. Anderson ©

Group Exhibition Curated by Nico Wheadon featuring Artist: Keith O. Anderson, Ezra Wube, Wayne Hodge, Jessica Lagunas, Johannes DeYoung, Regina Locke, Legato Shade

THE HAPPENING: Kinesics as Art Object, Group Exhibition, Rush Arts, 2009

She says I don’t kiss her everyday like I used to- Latex flat paint mixed with dry pigment, uncooked Black eyed peas, and wood- 4 x 5 x 3 in- Site-Specific- 2009 Keith O. Anderson © Curated By Nico Wheadon Featuring Artists: Keith O. Anderson, Ezra Wube, Jessica Lagunas, Johannes DeYoung, Wayne Hodge, Regina Rocke, Lerato Shadi

Everywhere, Nowhere, Somewhere.... Powerhouse Memphis Curated by Rehema Barber, 2009

As Africa Turns- Burnt marks, and broken vinyl record, and dust- 12 x 10 in- 2008- Installation- Keith O. Anderson (c)

Group Exhibition Curated by Rehema Barber featuring artists Keith O. Anderson, Dwayne Butcher, Shelia Pree Bright, Tam Tran, Joel Parsons, Jonathan and Mary Postal, Jack Ryan, Marie Irmgard, and Charles Huntley Nelson.

Flattened, Group Exhibition Evanston Art Center, 2006

Installation View: Nigger this, Nigger that, an on, an on, an on, until we/they just don’t stop !- Wood Clothes pins (each clothespin was painted by hand by the Artist), and acrylic household paint mixed with dry pigment - Dimensions Variable- 2006- Site-Specific Installation- Keith O. Anderson ©

Flattened, Group Exhibition Evanston Art Center, 2006

Nigger this, Nigger that, an on, an on, an on, until we/they just don’t stop ! - Wood clothes pins (each clothespin was painted by hand by the Artist), acrylic household paint mixed with dry pigment- 2006- Site-Specific Installation- Keith O. Anderson ©

Keith Anderson: New Work, I Space Gallery The Chicago Gallery of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

For Theolonious Monk- Razorblades, glue, and cotton puffs- Dimensions variable- Installation- 2005 Keith O. Anderson ©

Keith Anderson: New Work, I Space Gallery, The Chicago Gallery of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign

Alberto Giacometti and I lunch at having at his favorite restaurant and never once did we entertain the thought of being swooped upon by the pretentious ones- Strips of unprimed cotton canvas (cut by hand) - Installation- 2004- 2008 Keith O. Anderson ©

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