D Derek is a contemporary abstract artist interested in social sculpture and community-engaged practice. His work brings to mind the search within us all for a common bond. It invites alternative perspectives and maybe finding connections in places that seem elusive, contradictory or diverse.
Derek’s creative process continually reaches towards his finest work and deeper into the mastery of the chosen materials and subject matter. His practice historically roots itself through a deep understanding of how previous generations used similar materials, techniques, and concepts without feeling derivative. His contemporary paintings, architectural public installations and works on paper reflect countless hours of investigation.
D Derek attended Parsons School of Design, American Conservatory Theatre for Dramatic Arts and Providence College. He is a recipient of: a New England Foundation for the Arts Grant, a public art commission by the Ocean Chamber of Commerce, awarded an ARPA Grant and an Artist Professional Development Cohort Grant and recently accepted to the Masters Abstraction Intensive In-Residence program at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. He also placed 1st for Abstract Art at the New York City Washington Square Art Exhibit, presented at the New Britain Museum of American Art, and instructs Cultural Diversity in Art at the Mystic Museum of Art. His artwork is in many private residences, corporate locations, galleries in the U.S. and Europe.
He was selected in the International Contemporary Artist Book, Volume XI and is featured in Vellum Magazine as an emerging artist.