Kevin O’Keith, is an Atlanta based painter from Chicago, known for his distinctive impressionistic paintings. Described as one of the most promising artists to emerge in the 21st century, his pre-eminent works are large figures, eyes closed, executed with a palette knife into multi-faceted original paintings. For him, music and art are inextricably linked. Having played the trumpet when he was young, these two creative disciplines influenced not only his life, but also his oil and acrylic paintings. He works only when inspired and the impetus always comes from life and music.
Okeith’s subject matter challenges the negative psychological aspects pertaining to African American beauty. He created a series entitled “Naked Truth” celebrating strength, history, pride, dignity and culture. Permitting art to reflect the views, values, and ethics of a people empowering through art to speak best in all of us.
Art, to Okeith, is the materialization of thought and it expresses the spirit through form. He believes the magic starts in the mind, and artists know that whatever they can clearly create in their minds can be made manifest into a concrete reality. The main goal of his work is to use art as an educational tool that will inspire others to look within themselves.