KARL WILKES
530 West 25th Street, New York, NY
Karl W. Wilkes is an artist based in Columbia, South Carolina, known for creating thought-provoking works inspired by his African American and Native American heritage.
Holding a Master of Fine Arts from Clemson University, Wilkes works with oil and acrylic painting, metal sculpture, and mixed media, often using found objects to craft powerful visual messages.
His artistic style is shaped by his travels to places like London, Paris, Italy, and Japan, as well as his study of influential figures such as Harriet Tubman, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Frederick Douglass.
As a social commentary artist, Wilkes tackles cultural and political topics, encouraging viewers to interpret his work in their own unique way.
Influenced by legendary artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso, his art combines historical depth with modern relevance.
Currently, Wilkes serves as the curator and resident artist at the Wilkes Gallery of Fine Art. His work has been featured in galleries, museums, and exhibitions nationwide as he pursues his goal of becoming one of the most renowned artists in American history.
As an artist, I create purely to express and satisfy my humanistic and aesthetic urges, where the stimulation is a pro or con is not essential.
The fact that my work elicits some type of reaction is significant. I offer information and suggestions, and let viewers draw conclusions based on their experiences. I continue to borrow information and images from yesterday, today, and tomorrow to increase the rendering of my art to be timely and timeless.
