10 Questions with Kameron Walker
Ingenious in his approach to expressionism never seen before in acrylic, Kameron narrates certain compositions in which his act of storytelling through his body of work is what makes the emerging artist go unnoticed throughout his neighborhood locally. Showcasing in group shows, awarded grants, and published in news articles, his contribution to his artistic practices reflects his drive and engagement towards his arts community through volunteered workshops to non-profit organizations specializing in the arts.
Kameron Walker - Portrait
ARTIST STATEMENT
Kameron encapsulates figurative portraits that convey feelings and demonstrate true expressionism through self-identity of black culture and awareness. His ability to narrate his work primarily pinpoints that of a storyteller, best describing his work as refined, critical, and explosive in which he tends to focus on creating unique concepts ingeniously that enable his work to express his emotions courageously. With consistent experimentation and daily techniques in his artistic practices, Kameron continually finds ways to make use of enhancing the vibrant colors, light contrasts, and hard textures in his paintings.
Pitfalls, acrylic, 41x31 in, 2022 © Kameron Walker
INTERVIEW
First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. Who are you, and how did you start experimenting with images?
My name is Kameron Walker. I'm a contemporary artist from the United States in Texas, and for the most part, everything I do starts off with an idea. From that concept, the process of a sketch to canvas evolves over time as I add certain elements from my composition, taking away from any portrayed narratives, all a while changing the way I see color as I paint going forward.
How would you define yourself as an artist today?
I would define myself as a young emerging artist on the brink of becoming more international in today's art market. My expertise, I would say, lies more within the framework of being more original, if anything, and never seen before, especially in the areas of true expressionism towards a more figurative and abstract view, which consistently goes hand in hand with my paintings.
Enchanting skin, acrylic, 22x28 in, 2022 © Kameron Walker
Can you tell us about the process of creating your work? What is your artistic routine when working?
From a modernist approach, visual concepts play a vital role when I'm creating, and that conceptualized thought provokes the freedom to include all inspiring variables that either add or take away from the piece itself. Based on that standpoint, there's a balance of open flexibility and critical thinking that goes into account for the theme of each work, which involves the importance of brushwork and color theory.
How do you use figurative portraits to express feelings and convey the self-identity of black culture in your artwork?
Based on the awareness of myself and others who look like me, whether black American or African descent, I speak on the social and economic conditions of what it means overall to be a person and artist of color, exposing hard truths of existing at the same time revitalizing ideals of living prosperous amongst each other culturally.
You mention experimenting with vibrant colors, light contrasts, and hard textures in your paintings. How do you choose them, and what do they represent for you?
It's hard to say because it's based on how I feel would mesmerize the viewer more in getting my point across when they stop to capture my work, but I myself must mesmerize myself indefinitely when considering all those key ingredients.
Abundance in muddy waters, acrylic, 42x29 in, 2022 © Kameron Walker
Underdog, Acrylic, 61x40 in, 2022 © Kameron Walker
What is the main objective you have in mind when you start working on a new piece of art?
Paint large and tell a story. I've always preferred the method of painting on huge canvases rather than small ones, for my ideas are far too broad to fit on such a small canvas; plus, I like to give viewers of my work something to look at as their eyes analyze everything they witness in my artwork. Secondly, the piece itself must always form a good narrative as well as draw you in.
What other sources of inspiration do you have?
Though cliche, I believe that as an artist, existing in your everyday surroundings is the biggest source of inspiration, next to other creatives and their work. Oddly enough, involving music as another benefactor to inspiration to me is all about challenging your mind to explore different realities in your own head. For my motto has always been that UNDERSTANDING ART IS UNDERSTANDING THE INSIGHT AT WHICH ARTIST LOOKS AT THE WORLD SO INTRIGUINGLY."
Can you explain the themes you focus on in your artwork and why they are important to you?
Though my themes constantly change, I would say my main theme is always incorporating beautiful black figures within my work so that I can be an advocate to represent proudly what it means to be a person and artist of color.
Where I come from, acrylic, 34x31 in, 2022 © Kameron Walker
Is there anything else you would like to experiment with?
Most certainly! I'm open to exploring all different avenues that I feel would enhance my work creatively. Even more so, I'd say constructing a live installation with raw materials in a space would be a unique challenge for me and for thought as an artist to venture into, especially for the public to interact with.
Lastly, what are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future? Anything exciting you can tell us about?
Currently, while consistently in group shows locally, my plans to expand abroad for residency/fellowship opportunities in Paris, France, Africa, Japan, and Rome are at bay, as well as my first solo show either in my neighborhood or overseas, however fate may decide.
Artist’s Talk
Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.
