THIS IS KIKI VALDES

Current developments:

I'm painting mostly black and white portraits still. I'm doing that and bouncing over to more cartoon inspired imagery...but making sure the paint is really heavy and thick. The painting below is a portrait titled "Indra Vanslow."

kiki valdes

WORK IN PROGRESS

I've been chipping away at this new painting and about 10 others. I shifted from color to only using black and white oil paint. Stay tuned for more progress pictures and updates.

kiki valdes

MICHAEL VASQUEZ

A GOOD FRIEND AND ARTIST MAKING WAVES

Check out the work of my good friend Michael Vasquez working out of Miami, FL. I’ve followed Michael’s work for years. When I had my studio in Miami he would come by sometimes and enjoy a beer with me. He has always shown me a lot of love.

His work deals with growing up and not knowing where you belong. Thousands of boys don’t have a father figure in the U.S. and Michael was one of them. I think this is why his narrative focuses on street and gang life. It’s a way for young males to find a home and look up to someone.