Art Hazelwood - prints and biography
Art Hazelwood
Art Hazelwood describes himself as an artist, instigator, and impresario, three roles that intertwine throughout his prolific career and reflect his belief that art can and should engage directly with the social and political realities of its time. Known primarily as a printmaker, Hazelwood has used the medium with remarkable versatility, ranging from politically charged posters pasted on city walls to meticulously crafted fine press artist books. His work embraces the full spectrum of printmaking’s possibilities, uniting the urgency of political commentary with the enduring traditions of craftsmanship.
Hazelwood’s prints frequently deploy political allegory and satire, drawing on centuries-old traditions of social critique in art while speaking directly to contemporary issues. His imagery often harnesses the power of exaggeration, caricature, and metaphor to challenge systems of inequality and expose injustices. Whether addressing homelessness, student debt, immigration, or the global rise of authoritarianism, Hazelwood insists that art must not only reflect society but actively intervene in it.
In addition to his personal studio practice, Hazelwood has established himself as a tireless organizer and curator. He has mounted exhibitions at institutions ranging from major museums to community-based immigrant centers, creating spaces where art can function as a catalyst for conversation and change. His curatorial vision often brings together artists across generations and backgrounds, highlighting the power of collective voices in times of social struggle.
For more than twenty years, Hazelwood has worked closely with homeless rights organizations, producing street posters, broadsides, and fine press publications that amplify the experiences of unhoused individuals. He has authored one book and contributed to another on the subject of art and homelessness, bringing sustained attention to a crisis often ignored in public discourse. His prints are also a regular presence in several West Coast street newspapers, reaching audiences outside of conventional gallery contexts.
Hazelwood’s commitment to art as social practice extends into his role as an educator and collaborator. He has served as a regular guest artist at San Quentin State Prison, leading workshops and projects that connect incarcerated individuals to the transformative possibilities of creative expression. He currently teaches at the San Francisco Art Institute, where he continues to inspire a new generation of artists to think critically about the intersection of politics and art.