Artist Statement:
My work explores the idea of innocence and the human conditions such as happiness, anxiety, depression, and playfulness which are relatable subjects that we all possess.
I utilize a wide range of mediums like spray paint, acrylic, and graphite all while integrating classical techniques with childlike sketches. My work is influenced by the genres of pop art, cubism, and urban contemporary art. The addition of phrases or words that I pull from the music and ideas that pop into my head aid in hinting at the overall conceptual idea of the piece. The way I compose the writing transforms into a code meant to be deciphered by the audience. The mark-making symbolizes emotion, from quick, anxious scratches to carefully placed, soothing strokes. Each piece contains multiple layers of different paintings and drawings, creating the foundation for my main focus.
“Kans” is the name of the characters I created. They represent the emotions I’m going through at the time. The use of horns and halos stand as a metaphor for the angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other, emphasizing how each one of us has a good and bad side. The common factor the characters share is that they reflect the masks we put on to hide our true feelings. Anyone can put on a façade and happy on the outside, but struggle with anxiety and depression on the inside. These are the stories I wish to tell and where I draw much of my inspiration from. At first glance, my artworks can have a very playful and nostalgic vibe but also have a very meaningful and serious undertone. The layers on the canvases reflect all the aspects of life we build up. Bumps, cracks, splatters, and drips are the stories that lay underneath the foundation of the person we become.
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Education
Elgin Community College, Elgin, IL 2016 - 2017
Bachelor of Fine Arts, American Academy of Art, Chicago, IL 2014 - 2016
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Solo Exhibitions
Krause Gallery, NY, NY 2023
Vertical Gallery, Chicago, IL 2021
Line Dot x Vertical Gallery, Chicago, IL 2020
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Selected Group Exhibitions
Emerging To Established, Krause Gallery, New York, NY 2022
Water The Plants, Vertical Project Space, Chicago, IL 2021
Vertical Gallery 8th Year Anniversary, Vertical Gallery, Chicago, IL 2021
It Was All A Dream, Vertical Gallery x All Star Press Gallery, Chicago, IL 2021
INK Show, Vertical Project Space, Chicago, IL 2021
Vertical Project Space Gallery Opening, Chicago, IL 2020
Line Dot 4th Juried Show, Line Dot Gallery, Chicago, IL 2020
Vertical Gallery 7th Year Anniversary, Vertical Gallery, Chicago, IL 2020
4th Anniversary Show, Line Dot, Chicago, IL 2019
Chicago Artists Only, Gallery Colondro, Milwaukee, WI 2019
ComplexCon, All Star Press, McCormick Palace, Chicago, IL 2019
Letter Love, All Star Press Chicago Gallery, Chicago, IL 2019
Slaps! Vol. 2, Vault Gallery, Chicago, IL 2019
Art Gala on Fremont, Chicago, IL 2019
Vertical Gallery 6th Year Anniversary, Vertical Gallery, Chicago, IL 2019
Group Show, Vault Gallery, Chicago, IL 2018
SLAPS A National Sticker Art Exhibition, Chicago, IL 2018
Mix-N-Mash Art Show, Baderbreau Gallery, Chicago, IL 2018
Movement Gallery Group Show, Movement Gallery, Chicago, IL 2018
The Pink Tap Party, AMFM Gallery, Chicago, IL 2018
Holiday Group Show, Line Dot Gallery, Chicago, IL 2017
4th Annual City of Big Dreams Fundraiser, Chop Shop, Chicago, IL 2017
Turn Around Arts *Chad Smith*, Audio Tree, Chicago, IL 2017
Complex Pop-Up, CC’s Art Garage, Chicago, IL 2017
Chicago Sleepers Pop-Up, Chicago Sleepers, Chicago, IL 2017
Vertical Gallery Holiday Pop-Up, Vertical Gallery, Chicago, IL 2016
Centerline Group Show, Zhou B. Gallery, Chicago, IL 2016
3rd Annual City of Big Dreams Fundraiser, Chop Shop, Chicago, IL 2016
Pokémon Show, Secret Vault Boutique, Arlington Heights, IL 2016
Diffused Galleria Opening, Diffused Galleria, Chicago, IL 2016
Open House, Secret Vault Gallery, Arlington Heights, IL 2016
Maskerade by AMFM, Chicago Art Department, Chicago, IL 2016
You Are Beautiful Show, Galerie F, Chicago, IL 2016
Smalls Show, Paper Crown Gallery, Chicago, IL 2015
Covers by Genesis Supply, Iridium Clothing, Chicago, IL 2015
Slanted Canvas, Art Genesis Supply, Chicago, IL 2015
TMRucker Group Show, Throop Studio, Chicago, IL 2015
Third Friday, Zhou B Art Center, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 2015
West Loop Show, Jimmy Fishbein Photography, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 2014
Access Group Show, Ian Sherwin Gallery, Chicago, IL 2014
The Mighty Mini’s of March, Ian Sherwin Gallery, Chicago, IL 2014
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Honors
Northeastern Illinois Upstate 8 Conference Show Judge 2015
Slanted Canvas Best Ramp Award, Art Genesis Supply, Chicago, IL 2015
Alumni Recipient and Attendant to West Leyden High School Entrepreneur Day 2015
Special Recognition, graduation class of West Leyden High School 2014
Best Artist Award, graduating class of West Leyden High School 2014
1st place, Washington Congressional Art Contest 2013
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Publications
inquire
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