THE SURREALISM OF DON KILPATRICK,III

Through a careful balance of abstraction and figuration, Don Kilpatrick, III constructs visual worlds that feel simultaneously nostalgic and otherworldly.

Station of Transformation: Finger Prick

Don Kilpatrick III, a Detroit-based artist and illustrator, infuses his work with a unique blend of surrealism that blurs the line between reality and imagination. Known for his bold use of color, dynamic compositions, and symbolic storytelling, Kilpatrick often explores themes of identity, mythology, and personal reflection. His surrealist sensibilities emerge through his ability to distort familiar forms and create dreamlike narratives that invite the viewer to explore deeper layers of meaning. Whether depicting fragmented figures or symbolic objects, Kilpatrick uses surrealism to challenge conventional perceptions, offering glimpses into an alternate reality where emotion and intuition take center stage.

Station of Transformation: Simul Justus et Peccator

Kilpatrick's surrealism draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including vintage design, classical mythology, and modernist aesthetics. His works frequently feature flattened perspectives and geometric shapes that create a disorienting sense of space, echoing the dream logic often associated with surrealism. Through a careful balance of abstraction and figuration, Kilpatrick constructs visual worlds that feel simultaneously nostalgic and otherworldly. His use of recurring motifs, such as masks, eyes, and fragmented figures, further reinforces a sense of psychological depth, inviting viewers to question the narratives and emotions hidden beneath the surface.

Autonomy

Regeneration Kintsugi

In addition to his visual storytelling, Kilpatrick's surrealist approach is evident in his exploration of duality and transformation. His works often depict figures caught between states—whether between human and myth, past and present, or reality and dream. This exploration of liminal space reflects a surrealist fascination with the subconscious and the unknown. By navigating these in-between spaces, Kilpatrick encourages viewers to embrace ambiguity and engage with the deeper emotional currents that drive his work. 

Station of Transformation: Bound Together Part Three