The Art of Kevin Champeny
Kevin Champeny is an artist whose works defy conventional boundaries, blending sculpture and mosaic techniques to create captivating pieces that speak to both the macro and micro aspects of life. Born in Beloit, Wisconsin and now based in New York, Champeny has garnered attention in the art world for his highly detailed, intricate pictures made up of thousands of individual hand-cast resin pieces. His artistic vision focuses on reinterpreting familiar objects and themes in a way that challenges the viewer’s perception and encourages deeper engagement with the work.
Champneys most notable works are large-scale artworks where each piece plays a vital role in the overall design. He doesn’t simply work with traditional mosaic tiles; instead, he hand-casts each element, making his pieces even more unique. His cast components often take the form of small objects, all of which come together to create a cohesive larger image. These thousands of detailed pieces contribute to the tactile nature of his work, inviting viewers to appreciate both the intricate details and the final image.
One of his signature pieces, “What Remains” is a mosaic of a skull formed by thousands of individually cast flowers. The combination of a symbol of death with vibrant, lifelike blossoms speaks to the beauty and fragility of life, a recurring theme in Champeny’s work. The duality between life and death, beauty and decay, is a central focus of many of his mosaics, which often incorporate these opposing ideas into a single, harmonious work.
While Champeny’s artwork reflects his commitment to his craft, his work is also infused with a sense of playfulness. His pieces frequently play on pop culture themes, creating a balance between fine art and everyday objects. “Sweet Life,” one of his most famous works, is a mosaic of a large gummy bear made from hundreds of tiny hand-cast gummy bears. This iconic piece plays with scale and nostalgia, triggering the viewer’s memories of childhood along with consumer culture.
His work bridges the gap between high art and mass culture, utilizing forms like candy, animals, and sports memorabilia. This playful tone keeps his art accessible and relatable while maintaining the attention to detail and craftsmanship that appeal to collectors and galleries alike.
Champeny’s process is as distinctive as his work. He begins by sculpting individual components out of clay. These objects are used to make molds, which he fills with resin to create individual pieces. Once all the small elements are cast, they are meticulously arranged by hand to form the work. The process can take 3-5 months to finish depending on the size and complexity. His attention to detail is obvious once the last piece is placed.
Champeny has exhibited at shows and in galleries across the nation. This marks his fifth year exhibiting in Miami during Art Basel. His first year exhibiting he sold out before the end of the show and sales for his latest work, “Carried Away” are not far behind. Visit https://www.kevinchampeny.com/ for more information, or stop by his gallery at 279 Main Street, Port Washington, NY.