Allen Berke (Detroit; 1948-2003) was an American artist whose practice emerged alongside the politically engaged East Village scene of the 1980s. Berke had many solo exhibitions internationally, including at PS1 and 80 Washington Square East. Berke's paintings operate through a passionate political realism concerned with themes of masculinity, military power, and martial law. His politically conscious approach placed him within the orbit of artists addressing urgent crises of the period, including Group Material, Leon Golub, and Martin Wong. A recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in 1982, Berke maintained connections to major art centers in both New York and Detroit.