KPE (b. 1994) a self-taught Ghanaian Visual artist, explores the fusion of traditional visual language with new media. His work focuses on representing the commonality the entire human race share, regardless of geographic or sociological limitations. His work accommodates themes surrounding love, grace, hope, and speaks to conditions that affect us as humans since at the end of the day we all have similar fears and we all hope for better things.
His quirky acrylic on canvas paintings show bulbous humanoid figures. Their proportions are exaggerated and dominate their surroundings – large bodies with long limbs and tiny heads. Like the background, the figures are painted in blocks of colour in neutral earthy tones and clean minimalist lines. His work combines contemporary aesthetics like streetwear and modernist architecture, and leaves room for the viewer to breathe (negative spaces). These figures are mostly found in isolation, representing our natural state of individuality.
KPE’s work also speaks to a reflection on the metaphysical; a way of reminding people that there is more to life than meets the eye. That there can be good in the world regardless of the evil that is predominant, and this he is determined to preach through his practice.
Exhibitions
2024
Enter Art Fair with NIL Gallery, Paris. Copenhagen, Denmark. 29 August - 1 September
Seoul Winning. Solo Exhibition. PBG, Seoul, South Korea. 7 March - 28 March
2023
Blessings. Solo Exhibition. Long Story Short, Los Angeles. 16 February - 25 March
Future Fair with Duran|Mashaal Gallery in New York. 10 - 13 may
Well Hot. Group Show. Volery Gallery, Dubai. 11 May - 2 June
CAN Art Fair with The Hole, Ibiza, Spain. 12 - 16 July
Break In Emergency. Group Show. 4BYSIX, London. 21 - 30 July
KIAF 2023 Fair with The Hole, Seoul, South Korea. 7 - 10 September
The Armory Show with The Hole NYC. New York, USA. 8-10 September
1-54 Art Fair With NIL Gallery. London, 12 – 15 October
2022
New Construction. Group Show. The Hole, Los Angeles. 15 - 20 February
1-54 Art Fair With NIL Gallery. New York, 19 - 25 May
You - Artfully Crafted, A Masterpiece. Solo Exhibition. NIL Gallery, Paris. 30 June - 21 July
CAN Art Fair with Moosey Art, Ibiza, Spain. 13 - 17 July
Enter Art Fair with The Hole NYC. Copenhagen, Denmark. 25-28 August
The Armory Show with The Hole NYC. New York, USA. 9-11 September, 2022
New Class. Group Show. COLLABORATIONS, Copenhagen. 7 October - 26 November
ART021 With The Hole NYC, Shanghai, 10 - 13 November
Well Cold. Group Show. Moosey Art, Nowrich, UK. 8 - 23 December
2021
Enter Art Fair with The Hole NYC. Copenhagen, Denmark. 26 - 29 August
Group Exhibition. Moosey Art. London. 21 October - 7 November
Hope, A Cup and a Dream. Solo Exhibition. Moosey Art, London. 11 November - 5 December
Publications
Colossal: Invoking Design Principles, Kpe Innocent Builds Minimal Human Figures with Geometric Shapes
Juxtapose: A Portfolio: Kpe Innocent
Hypebeast: Kpe Innocent Instills a Sense of Calm at The Hole NYC