True colours

Kev Munday’s positive, vibrant artwork inspired by people-watching and the everyday will be unveiled at Reading’s Oracle as part of Reading Fringe Benefits, 24th-29th July.

Exaggerating and celebrating the ordinary, Kev aims for his art to appeal to all ages and make the viewer think and smile at the same time. His work takes inspiration from art forms as diverse as kawaii graphics and Huichol yarn paintings.

Using bold lines and block colours, the vibrancy of his style creates an enthralling visual experience. His iconic crowd paintings depict a sea of unique individuals showcasing the beauty in diversity.

Kev, 31, has created artwork for brands including Walt Disney, Graham & Brown wallpaper, Fracture Skateboards and Uni-Ball and his art is collected and exhibited worldwide. Having recently been named by The Telegraph as a “British artist to invest in right now”, Kev’s work can be found transcending gallery walls and on to a plethora of surfaces, including everything from police cars to pianos, billboards to grandfather clocks.

Relishing the opportunity to work in the public domain, Kev likes to see everything as a canvas and often produces artwork live at events. Upcoming projects include a large-scale mural in Dusseldorf, a public art trail in Southampton and an installation in a lift in The Oracle in Reading.

“I’ve done a few projects and commissions in Reading over the last few years, these include exhibiting at the UnBoxd street market in Broad Street Mall last December and painting part of an installation for the Festival of Light in 2016. I find it’s a nice town to exhibit in and the public are always accepting of new creative projects.”

His latest being in a lift at The Oracle, he explains: “It’s called Uplift and I’m basically painting all four walls, the floor and ceiling of a lift so you can literally step into one of my paintings. On Wednesday, 25th June, from 11am to 2pm there will be musical performances on different levels of the carpark, you can take the lift to see the acts.”

Kev took a graphic design degree at Solent University but says he got into art through graffiti and street art as a teenager which he believes is a great way to create art in the public domain. He adds: “It’s also a great way to get young people interested in art in my opinion. I still use spray paint and marker pens and paint public murals.”

Visit www.kevmunday.co.uk and for more on Reading Fringe Festival see www.readingfringefestival.co.uk