We’re A-maze-d by Chicago-based Pop Artist Kenton Avery, also known as ‘Maze The Artist’

Meet Kenton Avery, an emerging artist from Chicago also known as ‘Maze The Artist‘. His work is very unique, many of his pieces have the viewer engaged in solving the intricate mazes embedded within his paintings. 

A maze is a complicated and confusing system of connected passages, which Kenton equates to life. “My art depicts struggle, happiness, and power through layered painting in maze imagery. I believe that each path has a maze, and no matter how difficult, the maze can be conquered. My goal is to create work that integrates representation of different cultures and has the ability to touch everyone,” explained the artist.

Kenton is known for his unique paintings and art merchandise, his style is influenced by pop culture, fashion, music and the iconography of the modern popular culture transmitted through mass media and aimed particularly at younger people. We recently had the pleasure to chat with Kenton to learn more about his art career and current projects:

Q – What is the best part about being an artist, how have you developed your career?

A – It’s like being an alchemist, taking something that’s nothing and turning it into gold. Plus I always wanted to be an artist, so it’s truly a dream come true. I developed my art career by doing research and traveling to different places to get my art seen.

Q – Where does your inspiration come from?

A – My inspiration comes from personal experience and pop culture.

Q – You have a very unique style, can you tell us more about the “maze” concept in your work and the story behind it?

A – Well, it all started from my childhood. As a child, I ate a lot of cereal, LOL and I took a liking to the mazes they put on the back of the boxes. I started to design my own mazes & developing my own style. Now I’m able to tell stories, quotes, ideas, and visions through maze imagery.

Q – Which artist or artists (past and/or present) do you admire most and why?

A – Past Artist: Jean Michel Basquiat for his RAW talent. Keith Harring for his Art style, and Michelangelo for his storytelling. Present Artist: Bansky for his anonymous mystic approach. And King Saladeen because I really relate to his story.

Q – How do you navigate the art world, are there any trends you follow?

A – No trends, I paint what I feel needs to be expressed and try to get my artwork seen in any way possible.

Q – Tell us more about your recent projects, we love the art merchandise and apparel you’re producing.

A – I always had a passion for fashion. A lot of my art pieces represent that. I want people to connect with my artwork in other ways, so apparel was the perfect segway.

Q – You’ve participated in events during Art Basel Miami Week, what was that like and how did it change things for you?

A – It was LIFE changing. It’s always been a dream of mine to showcase my talent at Art Basel Miami. I accomplished that, now I know anything is possible. I plan on doing Art Basel Miami from now on. I also plan to do Art Basel Switzerland, and Hong Kong in the near future.T

Q – What advice do you have for up-and-coming artists who are trying to learn the ropes and begin a successful art career?

A – Believe in yourself, trust the process and travel to get your work seen.

“Maze” exhibits his work in Chicago, New York, Las Vegas and Miami. He plans to branch out into additional markets this year, expanding his reach and collector-base. The artist has shown his work during Miami Art Week and plans to have his art showcased again during Art Basel Miami Week 2019. To learn more about this fascinating artist, for sales information, commissions or general inquires, email mazetheartist1@gmail.com and visit www.mazetheartist.com