American artist, Mark Jenkins (b. 1970), is known for his installation art featuring hyperrealistic sculptures that explore urban and social themes. Through his practice, the artist aims to engage viewers and turn the surrounding environment into a stage, making their reactions an integral part of the artwork. The theatrical nature of his work is a recurring motif, with Jenkins using gallery spaces as platforms for performance and inviting viewers to participate as both spectators and actors. His works are often described as imaginative, unconventional, thought-provoking, and rebellious. Jenkins, a self-taught artist, developed a unique method of creating sculptures of animals and people using packing tape and plastic wrap in 2003. Whether displayed in urban settings or gallery spaces, his interactive works rely on the response of viewers to imbue them with meaning, placing a strong emphasis on the role of performance in his art.

Throughout his career, Jenkins has collaborated with numerous influential brands and organizations. Notably, in 2008, he collaborated with GREENPEACE at the Washington DC Train station, where an incident involving a “hobo polo bear” caused the station to be shut down for a couple of hours as a bomb squad investigated the scene. Additionally, he collaborated with Balenciaga in NYC, Paris, and London in 2017, and in 2012, he worked with Lacoste perfums.