Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Cole.
Kevin, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
In Toure’s book, “Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness?,” he defines the term “post-blackness” as a way for African American artists to be identified such that their work can be seen beyond the sociological/stereotypical definition of “Black Art.”
Early in this book, he talks about the freedom that New Blacks have to be themselves without feeling as though they are tethered to a past that they do not agree with or one that they feel they are not a product of.
Truth is my work is a colorful reminder of promises still unkept, imperialism still institutionalized, and stealth deceit that has stolen the dreams and birthrights of twenty generations of a once proud people. It stands in contrast to the canon just as Norman Lewis’ work stood in contrast to those who framed early abstract expressionism.
When I turned eighteen years old, my grandfather told me about a tree on his property where African-American men had been lynched by their neckties on their way to vote. The experience left a profound impression. I am personally tethered to this inescapable memory.
Thus, my work is rooted in a place of targeted tragedy. Its curvilinear twists, knots, and loops are fed by the energy found in the souls of ALL those who toil and triumph everyday against the odds and against the unheralded tragedies of life. My work is a universal story with both hero and villain, good and evil. The narrative is embedded like html code. It is not visible to the eye, but it can be decoded…
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I do painted wall sculptures out of wood, metal and tar paper which are medium very important what I have to convey in the work. By this I mean I use wood because when my grandfather took me to this tree, he informed me African American were lynched on a tree on their way to vote. I use metal and tar paper because I was supposed to be in New York on September 11, 2001, However, I did not go so a friend of mine sent picture of a little boy holding a piece of aluminum and tar paper. So I started work on these medium as my protect against 911.
All of my works have inspirational titled because I come from a strong Christian background. These later works are about liberation.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I do think it has changed because of the internet and social media. You can hit a button and be anywhere you would like in the world. Therefore collectors now days look you up on the internet.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I have a two-person exhibition opening Jan 26, 6-9 at Hathaway Contemporary Gallery. 887 Howell Mill Rd Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30318 the exhibition is entitled “Color and Form”.
Also, I am in exhibition at the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, Atlanta Contemporary, 535 Means Street, NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
Also, my website is artistkcole.com.
Contact Info:
- Address: The Compound Studios 7375 Cedar Grove Rd, Fairburn GA 30213
- Website: artistkcole.com
- Phone: 4048493950
- Email: artistkcole@gmail.com
- Instagram: kevincole2378
- Facebook: Kevin Cole
Image Credit:
Tom Meyer
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