Walker Thisted

Walker Thisted is a multifaceted creative professional based in Chicago. He is an architect, designer, artist, and business strategist.25 Thisted grew up in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago and attended the University of Chicago.25

Artistic Work

As an artist, Walker Thisted's work spans various mediums and themes:

Photography and Urban Exploration:: Thisted has created photographic series documenting Chicago's urban landscape, including a project tracing Madison Street from Millennium Park to Pulaski Road.1 He also explored Western Avenue, using walking as a medium to investigate gentrification and urban change.1

Painting and Mixed Media:: His artistic practice includes:

• A series incorporating images of uprisings, protests, and revolutions related to race, juxtaposed with imagery of late capitalism.13
• Works using found materials, such as wallpaper, to create icon-inspired paintings.1
• Abstract paintings exploring the geometry and territory of the canvas itself.1

Social Commentary:: Many of Thisted's projects engage with social issues, such as affordable housing and the precarious living situations of some Chicago residents.1

Professional Roles

Walker Thisted is currently the Co-Founder and CEO of OurThings.5 His diverse skill set allows him to work across multiple disciplines, combining his architectural background with artistic practice and business acumen.

Writing and Theory

Thisted also engages in writing about art and technology. He has explored topics such as:

• The spatial challenges facing art production, presentation, and storage.6
• The potential impact of NFTs on conveying event content across space and time.4
• Speculations on how the COVID-19 pandemic might affect the art world.7

Walker Thisted's work demonstrates a deep engagement with urban spaces, social issues, and the intersection of art, technology, and business.