Ian Kuali'i creative process blends the contrasting elements of very loose graffiti writing techniques with extremely detailed hand cut paper and collaged found materials to create unique compositions. His work is a balance between the rough and delicate, demonstrating the process of destroying to create. His art is predominantly influenced by his ancestral ties to the indigenous people of the Southwest United States and Hawaii, as well as masonic symbolism, mysticism, global politics and themes of urban decay.
While working at contemporary galleries in New York, Ian Kuali'i was exposed to the artistic works of Kara Walker and Swoon, who became highly influential to his own work. "I just liked how delicate and beautiful the cut portion of a stencil was, so I started using it instead of spray [paint]. As soon as I started seeing what was happening with the cut work that Swoon was doing, and already being aware of what Kara Walker was doing, I’m like, Yeah, totally, I can develop something based on this.” In that fertile environment, surrounded by other artists, Kuali'i says he was free to pursue his own style. While his work shares the medium of cut paper with influences like Swoon and Walker, his style has developed into something unique.
- Edition: Afterlife Series 4/25
- Subject Matter: Urban Contemporary
- Created: 2013
- Inventory Number: 81
Other Work From G. S.
Personal collection of Pop-Art, Street-Art, and Graffiti.
Not for sale!
Work is available for Museums and/or Exhibitions as well as Scholarly and/or Scientific Projects.
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