KIM WAN

KIM WAN

“The paintings represent further steps in the evolution of my practice. The graphic artworks are where fine art meets graffiti and the portraits are where fine art meets graphically sharp representation. 

I suppose that one could say that the self portraits are detailed, introverted and dark, and that the graphic artworks are intrinsically simple, expansive and light. ”

— Kim Wan

Kim Wan (b. 1970) is a British artist of East Asian, Polynesian, and Western European heritage. In the 1980s, he was among the first artists in the UK to create hip-hop-inspired graffiti. The speed and energy of spray painting and graphic art have remained central to his work. Despite his use of various subjects and mediums, his classical training is evident in his approach to painting. This is reflected in his self-portraits, textured paintings on found objects, large-scale installations, and digital works.

In the UK, Wan has collaborated with museums and institutions including the National Portrait Gallery, TATE Modern, the Institute of Contemporary Art, and the National Gallery. He was selected by an international committee for the Florence Biennale and is part of the Saatchi collection. He exhibits regularly in New York City and has also shown work across the USA, as well as in Berlin, Moscow, Beijing, and the Louvre in Paris.