Renowned contemporary artist Christopher Wool recently opened up about his challenging journey into the art world, revealing that he faced multiple rejections from art schools and believed he had "absolutely no talent" as a young aspiring artist. In the latest episode of The Art Newspaper's podcast "A brush with," Wool shared intimate details about his early career struggles and the pivotal moments that ultimately shaped his artistic trajectory with host Ben Luke.
Wool's most significant early setback came when he was rejected by CalArts, a decision that would completely alter his career path. As a teenager graduating high school in 1972, Wool was an enthusiastic art student who caught the attention of CalArts recruiters visiting his school. "CalArts was just starting. I graduated high school in 1972 and they came over recruiting to my high school," Wool explained during the podcast interview. "I don't think anybody but me was interested, and they basically said, 'Look, we're new, so if you can get tuition together, you can come.' And I thought, 'Great, I will do that.' And then I got rejected."
The rejection was part of a broader pattern of disappointment for the young artist. "I was rejected at every school I ever applied to, except the Studio," Wool candidly admitted, referring to the New York Studio School where he eventually enrolled in 1973. At the New York Studio School, Wool found his artistic foundation under the guidance of distinguished Abstract Expressionist artists Jack Tworkov and Harry Kramer, who became his mentors during this formative period.
Reflecting on these early struggles, Wool now views his rejections as fortunate circumstances that led him down a more suitable path. "I can't say that having been at CalArts would have been better in any way," he acknowledged during the interview. "I got lucky, as I had been before, and fell into the New York art world." This perspective demonstrates how the artist has come to understand his early setbacks as crucial stepping stones rather than failures.
Today, Wool's successful career stands in stark contrast to his humble beginnings and self-proclaimed lack of natural talent. He currently maintains a thriving artistic practice with prominent public art commissions and an active presence in major galleries. His ongoing exhibitions include a current show at Gagosian in London, which runs until December 19, and another exhibition at the Brite Building in Marfa, Texas, where Wool resides when not in New York. Additionally, his work continues to perform well in the art market, cementing his status as a significant contemporary artist whose early struggles ultimately contributed to his unique artistic voice.
