Kevin "Kre8" Vigil

The renowned contemporary artist Kevin “Kre8” Vigil was the featured artist for Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center’s Fifth Annual Moonlight & Magnolias fundraiser. Born in Germany in 1980 to a German mother and a father of Mexican descent serving in the Army, Kre8 first gained prominence as a graffiti and tattoo artist. He later shifted his focus to painting, becoming popular with art collectors after his breakthrough showing at the 2018 Art Basel contemporary art fair in Miami, Fla.

Kre8’s unique artistic style, known as Kre8tizm, captivated collectors, drawing admirers from all walks of life and age groups. Described as a blend of modern-contemporary abstract and surrealism with elements of pop and street art, Kre8tizm is a visual representation of the artist’s philosophy. Notably, all of Kre8’s characters are faceless, a deliberate response to the judgment he experienced due to the tattoos on his own face. He implores others not to judge him based on appearances but rather by his outlook on life and his artistic vision.

In his artwork, Kre8 employs black-and-white to symbolize the stark reality between truth and lies that permeate our world. Color, on the other hand, represents us, emphasizing the diversity and vibrancy that each individual brings to the world. Kre8’s style has garnered tremendous acclaim, leading to more than 30 sold-out exhibitions across the globe.