ABOUT KEVIN
Kevin Calhoun (b. 1972) makes abstract expressionist paintings from his studio in the foothills of North Carolina. The scenes portrayed in Kevin’s work oscillate between the primal and the cosmic. Drawn to the rawness of ancient art, he utilizes bold colors and untamed forms to depict starscapes and mysterious figures, often inhabiting the same canvas.
Kevin Calhoun arrived at his artistic practice out of necessity rather than desire. After serving two tours overseas in Marine expeditionary units, artmaking offered a mode not only of expression but understanding upon his return home. Drawn to the simplicity and directness of painting as a medium, he honed his distinct style on his own after heeding advice to avoid formal education— guidance given by true friend and mythical North Carolina art figure Jim Moon.
Over the past decade, the manic energy present in much of Kevin’s early work has simmered into a sort of meditative transference. His paintings bear a palpable immediacy yet present viewers with something new upon further reflection. A solo exhibition of his work has been held at the North Carolina Museum of Art, Winston-Salem (formerly SECCA), and his pieces are held in numerous private collections.