Kim Keever 1955-2025 | In Memoriam
It is with great sadness that Bau-Xi Gallery shares the passing of Kim Keever. An internationally acclaimed photographer best known for his colourful large-scale abstractions, Keever cultivated his signature practice by utilizing his passion for engineering, science, and art.
Kim Keever at work in his studio.
.
After earning an engineering degree from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, Keever worked briefly as a thermal engineer for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Keever switched careers to become a full-time artist in the mid-1970s, however, his previous vocation continued to inform his work, lending a scientific methodology and investigative process to his artistic practice.
Kim Keever, "Abstract 30464b"
.
Kim Keever combined his background in engineering, science, and art by harnessing his knowledge in fluid flow dynamics. The result, as he called it, was "art underwater." Fluid flow dynamics is concerned with the movement of liquid and gasses. Fluid moves differently with different densities, temperatures, pressures, energies, volumes, weights, and viscosities.
Keever used a 200-gallon water-filled tank, pouring paint and ink into the water. Outside of the tank is a high-resolution camera that captured the unique, one-of-a-kind color combinations, anthropomorphic and "just plain strange" forms.
Kim Keever at work in his studio.
.
Throughout his career, Kim Keever’s work was exhibited internationally in numerous solo and group exhibitions. In 2019, Keever collaborated with world-renowned Dutch designer Iris van Herpen to produce three garments for her Spring collection printed with his photography. Widely collected, Keever's work can be found in many public and private collections including the Bank of America, Harvard Library, Metropolitan Museum of Art NYC, Museum of Modern Art NYC, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, DC, and the Kunstmuseum Den Haag, The Netherlands.
Left: Look 14, Shift Souls Collection by Iris Van Herpen, collaboration with Kim Keever
Right: Alchemic explosion ～ Karen Elson captured by Luigi and Iango.
Look 10, Shift Souls Collection by Iris Van Herpen, collaboration with Kim Keever
Look 10, Shift Souls Collection by Iris Van Herpen, collaboration with Kim Keever
.
Kim leaves an impressive body of work filled with luminous and impactful images.
"It is truly endless the way you could conceive of living your life and dreams. You make that choice every day with the abilities you have, and the times you live in." - Kim Keever
Kim Keever, "Abstract 68352"
.