Kyle Wallack, known professionally as KW, is an American contemporary artist and designer whose journey into the art world was profoundly influenced by personal adversity.
Early Life and Background: From a young age, KW had a passion for drawing, often spending Friday nights sketching Pokémon characters with his father. After graduating from Endicott College in 2017, he worked as a graphic designer in New York City’s East Village.
Life-Altering Diagnosis: In 2017, at the age of 23, KW was diagnosed with cancer of the parotid gland on the left side of his face. The treatment required two extensive surgeries, leaving him bedridden and away from his computer for over a year. During his recovery, he discovered an abandoned easel, which reignited his passion for art and marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation.
Artistic Evolution: KW’s early works featured robots, symbolizing his personal struggles during recovery, with wires protruding from their heads and bodies reflecting his challenges. He later developed a style 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.
Exhibitions and Recognition: KW’s art gained significant attention 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, Lower East Side, and Chelsea, including a painting auctioned at the Guggenheim Gallery. His work has been showcased at the Renaissance Hotel near Central Park West and is collected by notable figures such as Missy Elliott, Aaron Judge, Poobear, and Arike Ogunbowale. 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.
Philanthropy and Advocacy: Passionate about giving back to the cancer community, KW 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.
Current Endeavors: KW continues to innovate and explore new creative avenues, refusing to be categorized into a single artistic style. His commitment to constant innovation and impact remains at the heart of his work and life.
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.
For a more in-depth understanding of KW’s journey and artistic philosophy, you might find this interview insightful: