Discover Kris Rhymes' VALUE Art Series: Challenging viewers to reconsider their inherent worth, Kris shares a vibrant yet profound collection that balances lighthearted aesthetics with deep personal reflection. This exhibition represents Kris's artistic evolution while delivering a powerful message about embracing our value in an increasingly commodified world.
- Valuable Takeaways
- Typography & Collage
- What's Your Value? The Red Price Tag
- The Exhibit
- An Artistic Transformation
Valuable Takeaways
I Am.. Acrylic, mixed media, mirror on wood panel, 40 x 30 | Opps On Radar Acrylic, varnish on canvas, 36 x 36
This past month's work has been a great testament to the vision FC has for the future — a future shaped by talented individuals like the artist I'll be highlighting today. We've witnessed thoughtful discussions, tremendous progress, and valuable takeaways. Meaningful connections are forming, ideas are flourishing, and it's truly a privilege to be part of this moment.
I've recently worked closely with Phoenix-based artist Kris Rhymes on his newest collection, the VALUE Art Series, currently exhibiting at DepARTure Gallery within Chíc Artistry Studio, an amazing FC partner. This series showcases Kris's distinctive voice in the pop art landscape while adding a fresh look to his portfolio. In this collection, Kris departs on a journey to redefine himself as an artist, exploring new concepts through an aesthetic that feels both innovative and familiar. By weaving messages of humility, self-worth, individuality, and community, he evokes nostalgia and sensory experiences through close observation and imagination. I would like you to join me for a closer look at Kris Rhymes Artistry’s VALUE Art Series.
Typography & Collage
My Guidance Counselor Acrylic, mixed media, varnish on canvas, 40 x 40
Recognized for his signature use of chocolate syrup as a medium, Kris continues this playful essence by incorporating text from familiar candy bar wrappers to convey his message while remaining true to his calling card. His concept of value is represented through various currency symbols embedded throughout the artwork. This thoughtful integration of typography and calligraphy builds upon the collage techniques seen in his previous collections, skillfully combining multiple elements into cohesive works. His aesthetic choices deliberately break tension, inviting viewers to engage with meaningful topics in an approachable manner. His color palette evokes a sense of lightheartedness while incorporating subtle nuances and shades in each piece.
What's Your Value? The Red Price Tag
Govern Yourself Acrylic, varnish on canvas, 30 x 30
The red price tag—reminiscent of those found on consumer goods—has become another of Kris's signature motifs. "We are currency," Kris states. Painted centrally in the background of various pieces throughout the VALUE collection, this symbol serves as a powerful reminder that we inherently possess value as individuals and must determine our own self-worth.
Throughout the exhibit, the red price tag appears in varying degrees of visibility, often eclipsing a peach-colored circle. In both "We Really Do" and "No Bucks," the red price tag gradually reveals itself, symbolically covering the tinted absence of value in our lives. This eclipse might be seen as the journey we undertake to seek and ultimately realize our own self-value through life's experiences, paralleling the conclusions we draw while moving through the exhibit."
In Kris's piece "The Invisible Path," the red price tag spills beyond the circle's borders—a deliberate artistic choice suggesting that as we come to value ourselves more, our lives become infused with color, transforming what was once faded into vibrant, saturated hues. This exemplifies the intentionality that permeates Kris's work, inviting viewers to embrace self-worth as a path toward a more vivid existence.
The Exhibit
We Really Do Acrylic, mixed media, varnish on canvas, 36 x 36
The VALUE series comprises twelve pieces serving as a prelude to Kris's forthcoming "WHATCANYOUCALLIT" collection, including one sneak peek original within the current exhibit. Works such as "I Am.." and "My Guidance Counselor," alongside the entire collection, create a charismatic display of positive messages that draw viewers in and spark meaningful conversation.
"Tik Tok" highlights perhaps our most valuable asset—time itself. We each receive the same twenty-four hours daily, and herein lies the question Kris aims to bring to the forefront: Are we making the most of our time here? This piece serves as a reminder to seize each moment. Our time is precious—are we pouring our time into the things that pour back into our lives?
The exhibit also features a VALUE journal, encouraging audience participation in the ongoing dialogue. Visitors can take a moment to reflect on their personal values and jot them down. Kris also breaks the monotony by utilizing canvases in varied orientations and dimensions—landscapes and portraits of different sizes create a dynamic presentation. You can get a sense for how Kris’s collection is creatively positioned to bring about unique interactions between the artwork and its viewers.
An Artistic Transformation:
Artist Kris Rhymes painting We Really Do Acrylic, mixed media, varnish on canvas, 36 x 36
Through this collection, Kris has made an effort to infuse positivity. In doing so, he has taken risks that have proven worthwhile, developing new skills and exploring fresh ideas. Experiencing the VALUE exhibit means diving in with Kris as he embarks on on his well-executed artistic transformation. His confidence, humility, and foresight translate powerfully through his work.
Visit the VALUE exhibit and immerse yourself in an elevated sense of belief, gratitude, and compassion. Kris plans to expand this project, potentially touring the exhibit in the future. If you haven't yet experienced Kris Rhymes' VALUE Art Series, I highly recommend taking the opportunity to explore this collection.
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