Art inspired by protest
Get together If Ki Kline had a hammer, they would hammer in the morning and make colourful, emotive imagery…
There’s still a place for politics in art, says the award-winning US illustrator Ki Kline.
“It would mean a lot to me if folks learned about the violence that pipeline construction brings to the Earth and how it brings further pain to poor and BIPOC [black, indigenous and other people of colour] communities,” says Ki Kline as we ask what they are working on. Ki’s answer is not your typical response. Wanting to make a difference, they even moved to Minnesota to become more active with climate movement Cooperation Northfield.
But let’s rewind. Ki burst onto the art scene in 2017 scooping numerous awards. Six Spectrum selections, a Spectrum Rising Star and a Gen Con 50 Juror’s Choice set them up in the spotlight. Arnie Fenner took to his blog to write, “Her graphic style and sophisticated use of colour makes her art stand out from the crowd.”
How did this affect the young artist? “I think it was easily something that could put pressure on me or anyone in general,” Ki tells us. “I think with or without the award, I’m always striving to figure out what’s important to me and how to communicate that through my artwork. I truly think what the award made me feel is that I’m doing pretty well, and this was another stepping stone in my journey.”
EMBRACE CHANGE
It’s a journey they describe as “totally chaotic and filled with uncertainty,” but one they’re fully embracing. The ups and downs of being an artist are part of why Ki loves life so much. Having begun taking commissions as a teenager, they felt burnt out as their
I’m always striving to figure out what’s important to me and how to communicate that through my artwork
mid-20s unfurled. Ki is contemplative about the effect of overwork. “People change,” they say, “so naturally I feel like my process wants to change along with the changes of myself.”
Telling us people they meet influence their art, it seems Ki is channelling a sense revolution from the friends, creators, and strangers they meet everyday.
“Art is a metaphor of life, and I think perceiving and living outside of just my artwork can keep my art relevant where I feel it matters,” they reflect.
“I love seeing what other POC and queer folks do to share themselves to the world and some of the fierce ones are my favourite,” continues Ki. “They
are only ever sorry where it matters, and absolutely try not to let the opposition, usually those who wish to oppress them, get in the way of their feelings. Their love and feelings are so passionate that they’re able to concentrate their intentions and empathy, to help impact and inspire others by making adjustments in their shared spaces and communities for a greater good.”
These people, their stance and lives matter to Ki. They see themself as a mirror reflecting back the emotions and politics of friends. Art can be a powerful medium to make change, and Ki is embracing that side of their talent.
“I believe sharing art that reflects feelings I have that other folks also share can make the power behind my work feel even more fulfilling and meaningful. […] People are cool.”
That love for their friends makes Ki hopeful for the future, post Covid. “Covid took more away from others that I cannot bear to mention, but I’ll always try to hold on to hope that people will continue to forge forward no matter what comes our way, even if capitalism continues to be an obstacle. We will persist, grow, and continue to look out for one another.” Ki supports the Stop Line 3 fundraiser – www.gawki.net/stopline3 – and hopes to be back at conventions in 2022.