Ken “Tsunami” Shep: The Voice Within
Afro-Cuban artist Ken “Tsunami” Shep is a visual artist and designer utilizing a blend of pop culture and fine art. The artists work shown here, a part of his Black Ballet series, alludes to the dance black men and women unintentionally and/or unknowingly participate in when it comes to love, relationships, traumas, cultural and generational voids, and the human form.
How did your creative journey begin?
I was inspired by my father, who is an architect. Watching him draw inspired me to take a shot at it. He provided me with as many mediums as possible, hoping I’d find my voice within them.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Studying metaphysics, human anatomy, and social dynamics and trying to find ways to give a voice to others through my artwork. I listen to my favorite musicians like Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, Drake, and Rick Ross.
How has your work evolved over the last few years?
It’s transitioned from designing clothes and accessories to photography, creative directing fashion films, and now fully diving into my ultimate goal of having my works in galleries and museums.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you, and how has your art practice grown or changed?
Organized chaos! In one corner, there are scrap metals and materials for my masks and accessory designs. On one side, tables with oil paintings. Another table with acrylics. Somewhere between all that, I was in the middle with my phone and music in the background to set the vibes. I’ve learned not to be impatient when it comes to oil painting. I love getting to the results, and sometimes oil painting takes days. So, it’s taught me not to seek instant gratification in finishing.
Which experiences have impacted your work as an artist?
As much as I love working with celebrities and brands, the most impactful thing for me is hearing people’s emotional reactions and responses to my work. When that happens, it tells me I did something for someone else. It serves as a reminder to me that this is greater than myself. To hear a dark-skinned woman say she sees herself as beautiful for the first time, or a Caucasian male saying he got chills from how my work made him feel, or how an Asian person sees beyond the figure in the works but can converse about using negative space and how it impacts their emotions and thoughts; It all means something. The issue of race can be crippling to the American perspective, especially in the art world. For me, it’s created freedom.
How has social media impacted your work?
At first, I took a blow to my social media following. People were used to seeing my work with brands, “It Girls,” and influencers. It took some time, but once a new audience of followers gravitated to my public viewings and showcases, the growth quadrupled my previous number of followers.
What draws you to your subjects?
The different subject matters life produces tend to complicate the process, especially if one has a limited perspective. Through my artwork, I look to responsibly give a voice to what we may see and think as human beings. We, as artists, have a responsibility to document humanity and life’s existence. The issue can become about narratives. Who’s manipulating the perception of those recorded times, and who’s telling as much of a proper perspective of that? Regardless, there will always be a grey area of understanding based on perspective. As long as we can create with integrity, I believe humanity as a collective will find its way.
Website: https://www.kentsunamishep.com/
Instagram: @undergroundtsu