LOOK
New book celebrates Minnnesota State Fair In reaction to this year’s cancelation of the Minnesota State Fair, Kickliy, a prominent Minnesota artist, has announced the publication of his book Impressions of the State Fair (statefairimpressions.com). An avid fairgoer who has attended multiple times each year of his life, Kickliy wanted to celebrate the things he loves most about the popular Minnesota event. With almost 80 new paintings commemorating the Midwestern tradition, this book serves as a tribute to the big event that many are missing this summer. Describing the book as his “love letter to the State Fair,” Kickliy states that he created these many works of art surrounding the summer highlight because he “felt [he] had to do something.” Using his skills from time spent in Paris studying artists of the past, he also applied his knowledge from years of illustrating and writing comic books. Through the use of bright colors
and lively figures, his art conjures the sights, sounds, and smells that regular attendees associate with the annual affair. A self-taught artist, Sam Hiti, otherwise known as “Kickliy,” holds a lifelong passion for attending the Minnesota State Fair. “I’ve attended literally every year since I was born,” he recalls from the first page of his book. “The State Fair is a part of who I am – a Minnesotan.” In response to the announcement of canceling the 2020 State Fair, Kickliy was inspired to create artwork depicting his fond memories of the event and the atmosphere that surrounded it. As one painting turned into a dozen, a dozen quickly turned into almost 80 different artworks that were just as personal as they were relatable. This art series is printed, bound, and easily found in Impressions of the State Fair.
ARTS IN BRIEF
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September 3, 2020 63
