Meet the Many Faces of Kevin Stark
This May, we’re diving headfirst into the wildly imaginative world of artist Kevin Stark. His current solo exhibition, Stark Art, isn’t your typical one-man show. In fact, it might feel more like five different artists took over the gallery—and that’s exactly the point.
Kevin Stark has spent a lifetime making art, but instead of settling into one style, he’s created a whole cast of characters, each with their own artistic voice, aesthetic, and even wardrobe. These personas include the bold Pop Art flair of Red Kittens, the elegant bird paintings of Ivory Keyes, the comic-inspired work of Salmon Chevy, the moody abstractions of Jett Black, and the myth-meets-modern fusion of Starkology. Oh, and let’s not forget the finely rendered contemporary portraits he paints under his own name.
“I’ve created work my entire life, and I’ve always been interested in learning new techniques and using those skills to create a body of work that spans many styles and mediums. My shows are so varied, people have mistaken them for group exhibitions.”
Stark doesn’t just dabble in styles—he becomes them. Each persona is fully realized, right down to the costumes he wears when presenting in public as each persona. It’s part performance, part artistic exploration, and all Kevin Stark. Stark grew up in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, where he got his start in the creative world as a teenager working at an ad agency. He was running the art department by 18, all while teaching himself oil painting and studying the techniques of old master portraitists. He later majored in art at the University of Oklahoma and has spent the years since working across just about every visual medium you can think of. He has created toy designs, comic books, murals, billboards, portraits, and so much more.
Eventually, Stark returned to Pauls Valley and opened his studio, Stark Art. From there, he’s continued to push boundaries, blending fine art, performance, and play. His work has been exhibited across the U.S. and is part of collections worldwide. He’s also been featured in publications from France to Japan.
We’re thrilled to feature Stark Art at 1515 Lincoln Gallery. The exhibition is on view now through Saturday, June 7, 2025. Whether you’re a longtime fan or brand new to Stark’s world, this show is not to be missed.
1515 Live Music: Squeaky Burger
Friday, May 30, 6–8 pm
Stark will also perform with his band Squeaky Burger during our monthly 1515 Live Music night. This eclectic group, formed back in 1997, plays improvised soundtrack music for imaginary films inspired by Mexican cinema. It’s experimental, playful, and one-of-a-kind. The event is free, and like all our live music nights, there’ll be good art, good vibes, and great wine.
Artist Talk: Red Kittens
Saturday, May 31, 1–2 PM
Join us for an artist talk with Kevin Stark’s alter ego, Red Kittens. This performative presentation offers a glimpse into the whimsical world of the character and his vibrant depictions of cats. Seating is limited, so RSVPs are encouraged.
