Clio Art Fair Spotlight: a Review by Kenneth Walker

Tsering Dicky
2 days ago
2 min read

Artist Kenneth Walker in front of his artworks

“I decided to paint a message rather than write a book to my family about what things were important to or challenged me.

In my first paintings in 2019 I began to realize great artists are not only those who can paint a realistic image but also those who can introduce context and the ability to capture one’s imagination and curiosity, or question one’s inquisitiveness.

My goal in painting has been to challenge the viewer in deciphering hidden messages throughout the canvas through abstract expressionism. My role models include Franz Kline, Joan Mitchell, Robert Motherwell, Willem de Kooning, Barnett Newman, Mark Rothko, and other similar artists of that era. Often I begin with a blank canvas, apply multiple layers of paint, constantly scrape and sand, and allow the canvas to speak to me, for there’s often a hidden message underneath. Other times, I pick my symbolic objective, and work to create the theme through the use of colors and hidden symbols. Often there’s a contradiction between color field and action painting. I believe colors define the soul-the personality.

Many of my paintings have centered around family memories, everyday life, and religious beliefs. Most are non-representational. In recent years I have painted three series of paintings that portray symbolic messages of personal values and concerns. In “Emotions,” an eleven part series, I address love, happiness, sadness, fear, and disappointment. In “Reflections,” a four part collection, I focus on hope, memories, contradictions, and eternity. In “The Testaments,” I present twelve stories of both the Old and New Testaments. Some say the Testaments are a history book but for me it’s the foundation that guides me in my daily life.

There is a quote that resonates with me and is the focal point of what and why I paint. “…The business of life is the acquisition of memories. In the end, they’re all there is.” *Downton Abbey, Season 4. 2013."

-Kenneth Walker

Kenneth Walker showcased his work in the past at the 18th edition of Clio Art Fair, held from May 1-4, 2025. Here is our short interview with the artist and a review of his experience at Clio Art Fair!

Kenneth, can you please describe your art in four words?

Abstract expressionist color field.

What inspires your art?

Memories, reflections, focus on personal values.

How would you describe your experience at Clio Art Fair?

Great people to work with, great location, great leadership, and great visibility.