Sterling Ruby (b. 1972, Bitburg, Germany) is an American artist known for his diverse and innovative practice, which spans ceramics, painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, video, and textiles. Born to a Dutch mother and an American father on a U.S. military base, Ruby's work often reflects a complex interplay between personal biography, societal pressures, and art historical references. His influences range from aberrant psychologies and urban graffiti to hip-hop culture and punk aesthetics. Ruby's installations frequently appear dense and layered, featuring elements that are scratched, defaced, or splattered, challenging minimalist traditions. He has exhibited globally at institutions such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, MoMA, and the Tate Modern, with his work held in numerous public collections. Ruby lives and works in Los Angeles, where he continues to explore themes of individual expression versus social constraint.