The artist known as Kevin O’Keith was actually born Kevin O’Keith Corley in Chicago, Illinois in 1980. Although he is not a formally trained artist, he has been mentored by some of the most popular ethnic artists of our time, Gilbert Young and Kevin “WAK” Williams. Through their tutelage, his personal creativity, and divine inspiration Kevin has developed his own style of art. He is primarily known for distinctive impressionistic paintings that feature closed eyes and large figures. He states that he features closed eyes in his artwork because he is attempting to communicate a message that we may not clearly see with our own open eyes.

As a child in Chicago, Kevin O’ Keith always knew the he wanted to be and was going to become an artist. While his friends, family and others were sleeping, he was often up late at night drawing at a desk. From there he further submerged himself in the wonderful world of art by becoming a graffiti artist. Kevin learned how to airbrush in Wicker Park while running with a local hip hop crew named CMD. Legendary Chicago taggers such as Puma, Omen and Pent One were also members of this crew.

Being the son of Reverend, spirituality plays a big part in his life and creative process. As a personal rule, he never paints when he isn’t truly inspired.

As a child, his father would always tell him that he had a calling, and now he understands that art is what his calling is. Thus, he uses his developed skills and natural talents to not only create but also to mentor and inspire the next generation. On weekends, you can frequently find him teaching the youth basic art techniques.

Kevin’s second love is and always has been music. As a former trumpet player, music significantly influences his artwork. You can see this influence in his first solo exhibition entitled Love Supreme which was featured at the Chattanooga African American Museum for four months.

When it comes to subject matter, Mr. O’Keith chooses to challenge the negative psychological aspects frequently associated with African beauty. He uses his oil and acrylic paintings as vehicle to celebrate strength, pride, dignity and culture. He truly believes that creativity starts in the mind and that anything an artist can clearly create and visualize in their minds can be made manifest in the physical realm as a concrete reality. His primary goal is use art as an education tool that will inspire others to look within themselves.

Past Events

2010 Rush Philanthropic Arts Foudation, Paris Theatre, Miami, FL
2010 Bombay Sapphire Artisian Series, Mason Murer, Atlanta, GA
2010 The Confidant Movie Premiere, Woodruff Art Center, Solo Exhibition, Atlanta, GA
2010 Inner Visions into Outer Realities, Gallery Guichard , Solo Exhibition, Chicago, IL
2010 Harlem Fine Arts Show, 369th Armory , Harlem, NY
2010 New York Times Fine Art Preview, Headquarters , New York, NY
2009 Love Supreme, African American Museum , Solo Exhibition, Chattanooga, TN
2009 Love Supreme, Clay’s Gallery, Hall’s of Fine Wine , Solo Exhibition, Atlanta, GA
2009 Sol & Art, Adidas Originals , Buckhead, GA
2009 Philadelphia International Art Expo, October Gallery – Philadelphia, PA
2009 Art In Motion, Sambuca , Buchead, GA
2009 Home Depot, Art On Main St., Corporate Office – Marietta, GA
2008 Stir, Art On 5 Gallery , Atlanta, GA
2008 La Flush, Studio Clout Gallery, – Atlanta, GA
2008 Art Beats Lyrics, The Foundry at Puritan Mills – Atlanta, GA
2008 Arts Beats Lyrics, Center Stage Theatre – St. Luis, MI
2008 Au Naturale, Art On 5 Gallery, Featured Artist – Atlanta, GA
2008 Arts Beats Lyrics, Center Stage Theatre – Charlotte, NC
2008 Art Stroll, Castleberry Hill Landmark Art District – Atlanta, GA
2008 Artist Square, Castleberry Hill Landmark Art District – Atlanta, GA
2008 Artist Market Art Space International – Atlanta, GA
2008 Art Beats Lyrics, Mississippi Telcom Center – Jackson, MS
2008 Camp Obama, Tilman Hall Morris Brown College, Featured Artist – Atlanta, GA
2008 Barack Obamas Campaign, Citizens for Change, Art On 5 Gallery – Atlanta, GA
2008 National Black Arts Festival, Promenade II, World Congress Center – Atlanta, GA
2008 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A Hush Affair, Convention Center- College Park, GA

Visit our: Kevin O’Keith Art Gallery

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