ARTIST STATEMENT
Throughout my artistic journey, I have developed a unique style that combines figurative abstraction with acrylic mixed-media techniques. I enjoy experimenting with various materials such as acrylic paint, alcohol inks, flash glazes, precious metal leaf, graffiti paints, and pens. These materials allow me to create dynamic and visually captivating artworks. One of my aims in my art is to leave my viewers on the cusp of some epiphany. As the lighting and viewing angles change, I want them to experience the excitement of discovering new elements and perspectives within my paintings. Just like capturing the elusive green flash of a sunset or the fleeting memories of a lucid dream, I strive to evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue that gives a little shiver up their spine. My nomadic upbringing and constant exposure to new places and people have influenced my artistic perspective. The sensations I feel in new environments often have a sense of familiarity and can be electrifying, vivid, and elusive. These experiences, moments of déjà vu and premonitions, find their way into my art, adding layers of depth and mystery. As a visual artist based in Chicago, I continue to explore and expand my creative horizons. Through my figurative abstract acrylic mixed-media paintings, I aim to inspire others to embrace their creativity and see the world through a new lens.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Karen Fike (b. 1969, New York) is a Chicago-based visual artist known for her impactful acrylic mixed-media paintings that focus on figurative abstractions of women. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Cum Laude, in theater and scenic art from the University of Texas at Arlington, Fike has emerged as a significant presence in the art scene. Her work captures the elusive beauty of life’s fragments, conveying women’s strength and grace through dynamic paintings created with flash glazes and textured mediums. Fike’s artwork has been featured in prestigious exhibitions, including Artbox Project’s New York Art Expo, EuroAirport Basel 2.0, and Swiss Art Expo 5.0. She has exhibited in respected galleries like the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art and the Woman Made Gallery. In 2023, Fike created the 8-foot guitar sculpture “Rocking Love and Hope in Joliet” for the Ready to Rock Festival, displayed in front of the Joliet Historical Museum. Besides her artistic endeavors, Fike is an ardent advocate for women’s rights, using her art as a platform to raise awareness and funds for organizations like Planned Parenthood. She is represented by 33 Contemporary and Influx Gallery. She actively contributes to the artistic community through memberships in the Evanston Arts Council, the Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists, and the Chicago Artists Coalition. Fike’s art carries a strong message of empowerment and advocacy, fostering meaningful change and promoting a more inclusive and equitable world.
© Karen Fike