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Statement
"My work is an exploratory
journey through a range of perceptual challenges. I Want to combine aesthetic sensitivity, technical skill and social awareness,
to convey the experience of psychical gratification. I also want to offer an insiders interpretation of the aspirations and
ideals that in essence are the embodiment of the Urban African American Culture". I feel compelled to document the immediate environmental influences and experiences
of my lifetime, while also honoring the humanity, courage and tenacity of the ancestors. As a visual artist however, I accept
no limitation in terms of subject matter or mode of expression. Instead I prefer to exist in a state of constant expansion
in many creative directions, with my academic foundation serving as the unifying element in each of my works. This approach,
I refer to as "Controlled Diversity".
Background
Ken Calvert is an internationally
acclaimed African American artist skilled as an illustrator, painter, graphic designer and muralist. A resident of St. Louis,
he is credited with the cover painting of the Missouri Historical Society publication, “Discovering African American
St. Louis”. He has also painted murals for the St. Louis
City Hall and the U.S. Army Troop Support Command. His celebrated painting
of Ndumba Tembo, one of the last great Tchokwe leaders, was part of the 2002 Anheuser Busch "Great Kings and Queens of Africa,"
series. Mr. Calvert is not just a painter, but a profound interpreter of the natural world. His work also demonstrates a
great sensitivity for modernist innovations.
Celebration is a word often used to describe Calvert’s work which is
full of life, color, and movement. He captures each facial expression with profound skill and creates complex compositions
that radiate with emotion. One can almost hear the music or talk with the subjects in some of his paintings. In this way he
offers the viewer snippets of urban African American culture.
Education:
BFA, Lindenwood College, St. Charles, MO
Selected Solo Exhibitions:
2006 Ordinary People, Kremp Gallery
Jasper, IN
2003 Urban Cultural Visions, Beach Institute
Savannah, GA
2000 Ourstory, Vaughn Cultural Center
St. Louis, MO
1998 Inaugural Exhibition, Savannah State University
Savannah, GA
1992 Cultural Echoes, Portfolio Gallery and Education Center
St. Louis, MO
1989 View From The Inside, Chosen Image Gallery
Philadelphia, PA
1988 Directions and Traditions, Litho's Gallery
University City, MO
1987 Busch Center Gallery, St. Louis University
St. Louis, MO
Professional
Membership:
Zuka Arts Guild, President, 2001-present
Art St. Louis, 2002-present
Kendex Public Art, President, 1998-2001
Creative Coalition, 1974-1981, President, 1975-1981
Aesthetic Alliance,
1972-1974
Honors and Awards:
2000 Commissioned by Anheuser Busch for painting of Chokwe Chief Ndumba Tembo, for the “Great Kings
and Queens of Africa Series”.
1997 Portfolio Gallery and Educational Center,
Romare Bearden Award
1990 Missouri
Lottery, Real Winners Award for the Arts
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