Mark Jenkins

Giraffe; 2003

Just tape. Well packaging tape. That's all it takes for Jenkins to create his infamous street installations that can be found in Rio De Janeiro, New York, and Washington D.C. Jenkins made a name for himself in 2003 when he created his first piece of artwork; the tapemen. These pieces look like regular people clothed and sitting or standing throughout the city but made out of tape. Most passers-by think nothing of the "people" cloaked in sweat shirts and pants until they see a piece that is missing a head, then they realize that it is art. Most of his work consists of fake "living" statues and "sleeping" mannequins. He is often referred to as the prankster of art because half the time, viewers don't know whether the art is real or fake. When asked what each piece is to represent Jenkins replies, " each piece is an exploration of evolution within the realm of the absurd".

Born in 1970 and raised in Fairfax, Virginia, Jenkins has made it a point to travel to countries world wide sharing his unique type of art. He even offers classes and workshops to the cities he visits. Jenkins artwork can be found lying on top of billboards, street corners, or floating in the water and never cease to amaze and surprise the crowds.