Christopher "KOLPEACE" Johnson is an interprofessional and multidisciplinary artist, South Carolina Born and Raised.
KOLPEACE is a 2021 graduate of Maryland Institute College of Art Community Arts MFA Program. His practice intersects Studio Painting, Live Performative Soul Painting, Murals, Community Artist (Workshops with youth, adults, elders) , Video & Photo documentation that incorporates his southern style of (trill, trap, and soul) performance art in attempt to encourage the ideal black joy he grew to love and spread. KOLPEACE (Kids Only Love Peace) key to teach education, stories, and encouragement through painting. Incorporating music, artistic tools and unique tools to produce art in the matter of minutes in front of multiple backgrounds of audiences & community.
:: An Informal interview with KOLPEACE
What are your preferred pronouns?
He , Him, His
Where do you call home?
Columbia , SC born and raised in the 803
What is your program and year of graduation?
Community Arts , M.F.A 2021
What inspired you to take the leap of going to graduate school?
Before the leap into graduate school I was in this mindset of "getting my work out there" you know. Humble working odd jobs, broke activist & artist, in/out of love , all to make a presence & impact on communities. The journey of my performative/studio art "KOLPEACE" became a mountain to climb towards inspiration , passion and profession to take that leap into graduate school.
How has this scholarship impacted your thinking and process during your time in graduate school?
This scholarship created a space of focus and growth. My studies have shifted my thought process from "for community" to "with community". It also put a smile on my mom/family face as I expressed to Dr. Leslie King Hammond and my mentors were in the program.
What have you been working on? Share the driving questions and inspiration that informs your work as an artist, designer, educator and/or activist.
“Impact can’t work without 'act' & 'action'"
How can I communicate that with individuals that does/doesn't look like me? Is there an unclear message to be real vs relatable? Have I found my own identity as a southern black man to voice my influence? I BEEN PAINT'N! My practice has impacted my personal life, creative relationships and community. I take pride in my work's impact and what it stands for. I perform, create and dedicate in order to survive & revolt today’s injustice. I have been creating mentorships and programming in Baltimore with the help of the Greenmount West Community Center, along with creative friends and colleagues. In my travels I would like to take my knowledge back to nourish my people in South Carolina, God willing.
During/After Graduation I have been exhibiting in multiple spaces work such as:
How can I communicate that with individuals that does/doesn't look like me? Is there an unclear message to be real vs relatable? Have I found my own identity as a southern black man to voice my influence? I BEEN PAINT'N! My practice has impacted my personal life, creative relationships and community. I take pride in my work's impact and what it stands for. I perform, create and dedicate in order to survive & revolt today’s injustice. I have been creating mentorships and programming in Baltimore with the help of the Greenmount West Community Center, along with creative friends and colleagues. In my travels I would like to take my knowledge back to nourish my people in South Carolina, God willing.
During/After Graduation I have been exhibiting in multiple spaces work such as:
- The Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center in Baltimore, MD with the HotSauce Artist Collective
- Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture in Charleston, SC
- "Made Down South" Ongoing Thesis Exhibition to activate black owned spaces with stories of my portraiture created incorporating elements from back home
- Harvey B Gantt Center in Charlotte NC with Contemporary Black SC Artist "Visual Vanguard" and Much More... YESTERDAY'S PRICE IS NOT TODAY'S PRICE!