African heritage and American nationalism are central to the conversations taking place in Derrick Adams’ work. Multimedia and performative works host his dissections of popular culture, consumerism, sitcom nostalgia, and 90s infomercials. Adams received his MFA from Columbia University and his BFA from Pratt Institute, both New York; and is an alumnus of the Skowhegan School and Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program. Since 2001, Adams has exhibited extensively, both nationally and internationally. Recent solo exhibitions include Sanctuary, Museum of Art and Design, New York (2018); Network, California African American Museum, California (2017); ON, Pioneer Works, Brooklyn (2016) and Crossroad: A Social Sculpture, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, Omaha (2016). He has previously performed at MoMA PS1; Performa 05 and Performa 13; and the Brooklyn Museum, all New York. Adams’ work is held by the permanent collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Studio Museum in Harlem, New York; Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond; and the Birmingham Museum of Art, Alabama. He is the recipient of several awards including the S.J. Weiler Fund Award (2014), the Louis Comfort Tiffany Award (2009), and the Agnes Martin Fellowship (2001–03).