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2000s
2000s

Guyton's oeuvre from the 2000s is noted for incorporating a range of motifs that have become synonymous with his practice. These include geometric shapes, the color black, flames, and letters such as 'U' and 'X', alongside representations of everyday objects and screenshots from digital media. His works are notable not just for their visual impact but for their exploration of the materiality of digital images and the process of their creation, thereby blurring the lines between painting, printing, and digital art​ (Ocula Art)​. His collaboration with fellow artist Kelley Walker under the moniker Guyton\Walker has also been significant, allowing both artists to explore the intersections of digital printing, scanning, and the appropriation of images from consumer culture. Their collaborative works, often vibrant and saturated, contrast with Guyton's typically more minimalist solo pieces, engaging directly with themes of overstimulation and consumption​ (Ocula Art)​. Guyton's exhibitions in the 2000s, such as his shows at Power House Memphis, Kunstverein Hamburg, and the Whitney Museum of American Art, among others, solidified his position within the contemporary art scene. Notably, his 2012 retrospective at the Whitney Museum was a pivotal moment, showcasing his deep engagement with digital technologies and their impact on art. The retrospective featured walls inspired by temporary partitions created by Marcel Breuer in the 1960s, demonstrating Guyton's nuanced approach to space and presentation​ (Wikipedia)​. Despite the acclaim and high auction prices his work has commanded, Guyton has maintained a critical stance toward the commercial art market. This was exemplified in 2014 when he reacted against the high auction prices expected for his work by producing multiple copies and sharing them on social media, challenging the notions of rarity and value in the digital age​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Ocula Art)​. Wade Guyton's art in the 2000s was marked by a radical approach to the use of digital technologies, redefining the boundaries of painting and sculpture. His work interrogates the processes of digital and physical creation, making him a defining figure in contemporary art's engagement with the digital revolution.