KEVIN OKEITH
b. 1980 Chicago, Illinois.
Kevin Okeith, also known by his birth name Kevin Okeith Corley, is an internationally recognized artist who is based in Atlanta. Hailing from Broadview, IL, he has established a reputation for producing distinctive impressionistic paintings that are highly regarded by art enthusiasts. Okeith has been hailed as “one of the most promising artists to emerge in the 21st century” by art critics and experts. His pre-eminent works feature large figures with closed eyes that are created using a palette knife, resulting in multi-faceted original paintings.
Okeith was deeply influenced by hip-hop culture and fully immersed himself in it. He embarked on his artistic career on the streets of Chicago, initially as a graffiti artist. By 13 years old, he was already being arrested for painting stunning murals throughout the city at night with his friends from E1R1, TMS, and CMD. During his time at Proviso East High School in Maywood, IL, he wrote under the aliases "Angel" and "ACTS One" with Puma, Omen, Pent One, Ceasar, VEL & Ketchup.
Okeith, a computer science major at Morris Brown College, made an intentional switch to art after having quietly led an equally impressive career in engineering. He relocated to Washington DC to take on the role of Network Architect for Dell Computers before eventually returning to Atlanta. As the lead engineer for a multibillion-dollar company, he independently managed 30 different engineering sites simultaneously for years, with responsibilities spanning all of North America. Okeith firmly believes that "you must be the change you want to see"!
Okeith's artwork confronts negative psychological aspects associated with African Americans. Through his "Naked Truth" series, he celebrates strength, history, pride, dignity, and culture. By allowing art to reflect the perspectives, values, and morals of a people, he empowers them to express themselves authentically. This series was prominently featured at the New York Times Headquarters.
Okeith is an artist whose professional journey has been significantly shaped by renowned figures in the field of art, namely Gilbert Young and Kevin A. Williams /WAK. Of these mentors, Kevin A. Williams /WAK has been the most influential and served as Okeith's mentor. Okeith's artistic creations have been featured in several prominent mediums, including newspapers, magazines, television, movies, and galleries, and have been recognized by notable institutions such as the New York Times and Home Depot.
Okeith's inaugural solo art exhibition, curated by Carmen Davis, was titled "Love Supreme" and was exhibited for a duration of four months at the Chattanooga African American Museum. Okeith's most significant achievement to date was his participation in the Contemporary Art Masters show, hosted at the Louvre in Paris, France, in 2023. Furthermore, he was selected as a National Winner of the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series contest and awarded a showcasing opportunity at the Miami Art Basel. This event was represented by esteemed individuals such as Andre Guichard, Danny Simmons, and Russel Simmons. Okeith's artwork was also featured for four months at the Dusable Museum "Rising Stars" exhibition, and his exceptional work is presently exclusively represented by September Gray Art Gallery.
To Okeith, art represents a visual manifestation of the spirit through form. He believes that the true essence of art lies within the mind and that artists possess the ability to bring their creative visions to life. Okeith endeavors to utilize art as an educational instrument to inspire individuals to explore their inner selves and gain a deeper understanding of their identity.