Born in Springfield, Illinois, David Hammons moved to Los Angeles in the 1960s, where he studied at the Chouinard Art Institute and the Otis Art Institute. He became a prominent figure in the Black Arts Movement, gaining early recognition for his body prints and his use of found objects such as hair, grease, and discarded items to create poignant social commentary.

Hammons is widely recognized for his site-specific installations and conceptual projects that often critique the intersection of race, class, and the art market. His practice frequently utilizes ephemeral materials, transforming everyday objects into powerful symbols that address the history and lived experience of marginalized communities.

In recent years, Hammons has continued to influence the public sphere with large-scale architectural interventions. His permanent installation Day's End, situated on the Hudson River waterfront in New York, serves as a major contemporary landmark that bridges historical homage with modern structural design.