Art Appreciation
Kevin "Kre8" Vigil's life mirrors the vividness and intensity of his art. Born in Germany in January 1980 to a German mother and a Mexican-American father in the U.S. Army, Kre8 relocated to the United States at a young age. His upbringing was marked by frequent moves and a challenging environment. By high school, he found himself deeply involved in gang life in Denver, Colorado, facing daily violence and conflict. However, a chance encounter with a graffiti crew introduced him to the world of street art, a transformative moment that set the course for his future.
Kre8’s early days as a graffiti artist laid the groundwork for his distinctive style. The time he spent tagging train yards and rooftops honed his skills and sparked a love for urban art. This unconventional training eventually led him into tattooing, where he spent more than a decade working in top studios in Florida and New York. Despite his professional success, the chaotic lifestyle associated with the tattoo scene, coupled with struggles with drug addiction, pushed him toward a more stable and introspective outlet—painting.
Kre8's signature style, called "Kre8tizm," blends modern-contemporary abstract, surrealism, and street art. His pieces often depict faceless characters, reflecting his experiences of being judged for his own facial tattoos. Notable works like Vivid Mayhem (2018) and The Kre8tion of Dalí (2018) highlight his skill in merging bold colors with monochromatic elements, symbolizing the tension between life’s complexities and the human spirit. His process often begins with black-and-white foundations, onto which he adds vibrant, abstract color.
Today, Kre8 is celebrated for his sold-out exhibitions worldwide, with his breakthrough moment occurring at Art Basel Miami in 2018.
Sources:
https://www.kre8spaces.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kre8artafax
https://www.parkwestgallery.com/artist/kre8-kevin-vigil/
https://www.kre8artafax.com/collections/original-artworks
https://monthavenarts.org/2024/04/attributes-of-a-visionary/
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