This May, 1515 Lincoln Gallery will present Stark Art, a solo exhibition by artist Kevin Stark. The show features five distinct artist personas created by Stark, each producing art in radically different styles and subject matter. Stark immerses himself in these characters, allowing them to shape his creative process, even adopting different costumes for each persona. The exhibition reveals Stark's diverse talents and delves into his ongoing journey of self-discovery and creative curiosity.
In discussing the upcoming exhibition, Stark says, “This show encompasses almost all of my artistic pursuits… and there are many. I’ve created work my entire life, and I have always been interested in learning new techniques and using those skills to create a body of work that spans many styles and mediums. My works have been so varied that my solo shows have sometimes been mistaken for group shows.”
He continues, “I like to keep a sense of humor about what I do. It was this sense of humor that first led me to come up with the idea of different artist personas for the different styles of work I produce. The Pop Art of Red Kittens, the bird paintings by Ivory Keyes, the cartoon-type paintings of Salmon Chevy, the abstract paintings of Jett Black, the mythological pieces from Starkology, and the contemporary portraits I do under my own name are all the product of one person… Kevin Stark. As you move through the exhibit, understand that these artworks, though they may seem to be from five individuals, are in fact all created by one person who creates a lot… and sleeps very little.”
Kevin Stark was born and raised in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. A self-taught artist, he began working at an ad agency at age 15 and was head of the art department by age 18. Simultaneously, he developed an interest in oil painting and the techniques of the old masters, especially portrait artists, and worked to teach himself their methods.
Stark later majored in art at the University of Oklahoma, where he expanded his artistic interests and honed his skills in various styles and mediums. Over the years, his expertise led him to a diverse career, including work as a toy designer, comic book artist, billboard artist, muralist, portrait painter, and many other art-related projects for clients worldwide.
After some time away, he eventually returned to his hometown, where he opened his studio and gallery, Stark Art, producing a significant body of work. His interest in performance art also led him to create artist personas that showcase work in different styles. His work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions across the United States, and it is housed in private collections both nationally and internationally. He has been featured in various magazines, newspapers, television programs, and international publications in France, Germany, Australia, and Japan.
The gallery is thrilled to present Stark Art! This dynamic show promises to inspire and captivate, inviting guests to discover a wide range of artworks on view in our main exhibition space. The exhibition opens with a free public reception on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 6–8 pm, and will remain on view until Saturday, June 7, 2025.
In addition, join us for two special artist talks with Kevin Stark. The first, on Saturday, May 3, from 1–2 pm, will feature Stark as himself, offering a personal look into his artistic process. The second, on Saturday, May 31, from 1–2 pm, will showcase Stark’s persona, Red Kittens, in a performative discussion. Both talks are free to attend, but seating is limited, and RSVPs are encouraged. To reserve your spot, please email info@1515lg.com or call 405.503.1063.
Also, don’t miss Kevin Stark and his band, Squeaky Burger, as they take the stage for our monthly 1515 Live Music event. Squeaky Burger, formed in 1997, creates improvised soundtrack music for imaginary films inspired by Mexican cinema. The band has released several albums and continues to perform live. Join us on Friday, May 30, from 6–8 pm for a free, exciting performance. 1515 Live Music takes place on the last Friday of every month and features a diverse lineup of local musicians. Don’t miss this special evening of music, art, and wine!
