Meet Cris Herrera Kiki, A Visual Poet From Colombia Progressing Artwork To New Levels

In small pockets across the world, there are artists with such astounding abilities it becomes questionable as to why we're unaware of their existence. That's because there is geographical disconnect that naturally occurs in our everyday lives. Someone born within a city or town by nature will only consume what's relevant to their life, which is typically their surroundings.  

If you're into street art, the evolution in creativity, and how culture can define who we are, then you'll find the work of Cris Herrera Kiki more relevant than ever. Born in Colombia as a native Spanish speaker, the artist uses his work as a form of international communication, inspiring those who visit South America or see his work on social media. In short, his creations speak for themselves. 

Translated quote from the artist:

"It's hard to think of the moment when I really became an artist. Maybe I was always an artist, unconsciously. I dare say we are all born artists, but we lose curiosity as we grow up. The worlds we create and the games we play when we are young makes us artists. Over time we stop being artists as we get older, in my case it never stopped."

INSPIRATION THROUGH HARDSHIP  

The recurring theme found in KIKI's art can be defined as promoting an understanding of Columbia's difficult history. The war, which began in 1964, (and is still not fully resolved) is one of many topics he addresses. Hidden messages are seen throughout many of the pieces he creates. Additional subjects such as; the displacement of indigenous groups, corruption, and peasants created from armed conflict are all difficult messages to convey. 

But when done in the hands of an individual who's truly passionate for self expression, all of these painful topics become reinterpreted in a hopeful, beauteous way. This gives strength to those still facing these hardships today. 

 A LIFE DEDICATED TO THEATRE

When asked about the motivation to create street art, Cris Herrera Kiki describes the influence being rooted in Theatre. Not in an enclosed space, but rather taking the idea of what occurs in a theatre and presenting it in a new way. "Street Theatre" with political content and social criticism is in many of his creations. The theatrics extend beyond just the artwork, KIKI himself often is seen wearing a mask, as if he's the actor in a play, taking the lead role. 

 Desdoblamiento (translated as "Unfolding")

"My intention with the mask is to embrace our dark side, that side that causes us fear, anguish, perversion. See that side as something necessary to experience, know and put in dialogue with our "known self". Connecting the conscious with the unconscious in what surrealism calls "super-reality"

Artist Replete is both honored and privileged to represent an individual who breathes his artistic craft deeply. Our mission is to help break the cultural and geographical divide within the art world. Providing an additional megaphone to this powerful voice in the U.S.

Explore More Work By Cris Herrera Kiki

“In the end nothing is mine, we are the result of what happens for us, I simply let it be, (the really difficult thing is to let it be) letting it be gives us a unique identity in art. In the end, it does not matter how that identity is configured, what matters is what it communicates, what the viewer perceives."

Thoughts on KIKI'S work? Let us know in the comments below