Since KW can remember, he has been drawing. Friday nights as a child were spent sketching Pokémon characters with his father. Although the idea of becoming an artist seemed distant, KW’s life took a dramatic turn that reshaped his path. After graduating college in 2017, KW worked as a graphic designer in New York City’s East Village. That same year, he was diagnosed with cancer of the parotid gland on the left side of his face. The removal of the cancerous gland required two extensive surgeries and left him bedridden and away from his computer for over a year. A few days after his return home, KW discovered an abandoned easel in the trash, which he rescued and brought to his apartment. With paint provided by a friend, KW embarked on a new artistic journey, marking the beginning of a remarkable transformation.
Since finding that easel, KW has immersed himself in the world of art, exploring a variety of styles and continuously creating. His work gained mass recognition when it was featured in Cardi B and El Alfa’s music video for the song “Mi Mami.” This exposure led to exhibitions in the East Village and Lower East Side, followed by shows in Chelsea, including a gallery display and a painting auctioned at the Guggenheim Gallery. KW’s art has also been showcased at the Renaissance Hotel near Central Park West. His work is collected by notable figures such as Missy Elliott, Aaron Judge, Poobear, and Arike Ogunbowale to name a few. Additionally, KW has exhibited with Quidley and Company Fine Art, BG Gallery, OSO Studio, Dean Street Gallery, and the Imagine Museum, with shows spanning from Connecticut, Los Angeles, and Miami, to Tampa, and St. Petersburg.
From the moment KW entered the art space, he committed himself to constant innovation. His initial creations featured robots, which symbolized his personal struggles during recovery, with wires protruding from their heads and bodies reflecting his challenges. Another style he explores he calls “Refined Graffiti,” inspired by New York’s vibrant street art. This genre merges the raw essence of graffiti with the elegance of fine art, presenting street art in a sophisticated gallery context. KW has also dedicated significant time to oil painting, developing a unique style that captures his personal life, relationships, and observations. KW remains committed to avoiding categorization into a single artistic style, constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new creative avenues.
KW is passionate about giving back to the cancer community and supporting cancer research. He has served as a guest speaker at Sunrise Day Camp in Long Island, New York, and donated a painting for auction at the American Cancer Society’s Florida gala. His story and art were celebrated at Endicott College, his alma mater, where he spoke to students and faculty, and his work is included in the college’s permanent collection.
KW’s artistic journey continues, guided by his personal motto: “Here for a period of time, to create something that will last forever.” His commitment to innovation and impact remains at the heart of his work and life.
