David Hammons' "Kool Aid" series is part of a broader exploration that intersects with another major theme in his work: basketball. Both themes were showcased in the exhibition "David Hammons: Basketball and Kool-Aid" at Nahmad Contemporary, running from May 1 to July 24, 2021. This exhibition marked the first in-depth presentation of these bodies of work, created between 1995 and 2012, employing avant-garde artistic methods and unconventional materials to construct abstract compositions. These series are crucial for understanding Hammons' exploration of racial stereotypes, prejudices, and identities within the American context, particularly concerning African American experiences and culture.
The "Kool Aid" works, produced between 2003 and 2007, utilize the powdered drink mix not just as a medium but as a symbol loaded with cultural and societal commentary. By applying Kool-Aid to paper in vibrant colors, Hammons invokes the aesthetic of abstract expressionism and color field painting but subverts it through the use of unconventional materials. This choice carries significant political commentary, considering the drink's association with African American culture and the broader implications of the phrase "drinking the Kool-Aid." This phrase refers to uncritical belief in something, stemming from the tragic Jonestown Massacre. These works include sculptural elements like silk veils and frames wrapped in colored terry cloth, adding layers of meaning and critique of the commodification of art (Nahmad Contemporary).
Hammons' approach to the basketball theme involves using actual basketballs—sometimes covered in "Harlem dirt"—to create marks on paper, a method that allegorizes societal transcendence promised by sports to marginalized communities. The inclusion of found objects in these works brings additional symbolic weight, touching on themes of opportunity, migration, and the harsh realities of athletic ambition. These basketball-themed works, like their "Kool Aid" counterparts, offer a poignant critique of racial stereotypes and highlight the precarious nature of success and identity within the context of African American experiences (Nahmad Contemporary) (Judd Tully).
Hammons, known for his reclusive nature and critical perspective on the art world, continues to engage with themes of race, identity, and culture through innovative methods and materials. His work, deeply embedded in the African American experience, challenges viewers to reconsider cultural symbols and their meanings, creating a space for reflection and critical discussion. The "Kool Aid" series, with its vibrant use of color and everyday materials, is a testament to Hammons' ingenuity and his commitment to addressing complex social issues through art.