Born in Richmond, Virginia, Tony Cokes is a prominent video artist and educator whose practice explores the intersection of media, history, and power. He has long been associated with the Independent Study Program at the Whitney Museum of American Art, where he has contributed to the development of critical discourse in contemporary art.

His signature work involves the use of kinetic typography, often set against soundtracks ranging from pop music to news broadcasts, to deconstruct cultural narratives. By stripping away traditional imagery in favor of text-heavy compositions, Cokes forces the viewer to engage directly with the ideological underpinnings of the media he samples.

Cokes continues to be a significant figure in contemporary video art, with his work frequently exhibited in major international institutions. His influence extends through his long-standing role as a professor, shaping the practices of emerging artists and curators within the academic and museum spheres.