EPIC Art Welcomes Sam Kirk

Sam Kirk is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist who explores culture and identity politics through vibrant and transformative artworks. Her work focuses on various intersections that encompass a call to celebrate differences and enact change. With a portfolio that includes over 60 permanent murals and temporary installations worldwide, Kirk uses public spaces to address difficult topics, advocating for social justice, representation, and visibility. From a young age, Kirk harnessed art as a powerful tool to navigate her own identity. Inspired by the nuances of the human experience, her narrative-driven pieces reveal the layers of life and how these moments impact our identities. Her vibrant color palette, intricate line work, and layered backgrounds highlight cultural communities through multi-toned figures drawn from her childhood memories, community engagements, travels, and often unpublished histories.

Kirk's public art career has earned her significant recognition, as she intentionally uplifts and celebrates historically excluded communities. Her work is part of the permanent collections of notable institutions, including the National Museum of Mexican Art and Gerber Hart Library & Archives, Disney Villas, and owned by Grammy Award-winning musicians Daddy Yankee and Pitbull. Her art has been featured in top publications such as Forbes, Travel & Leisure, and Hyperallergic, further solidifying her impact in the contemporary art landscape.

In addition to her artistic achievements, Kirk is deeply committed to community engagement and collaboration. She has worked closely with non-profit organizations such as the National LGBTQ Taskforce, Family Acceptance Project, and Common Good, leveraging her platform to advocate for LGBTQ rights, social justice, and authenticity in education.

Her partnerships with higher education institutions, including the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Loyola University, and collaborations with corporations such as Disney, Univision, United Airlines, and Xfinity Comcast, reflect her dedication to fostering dialogue and utilizing collaboration to increase visibility and representation.

Kirk has exhibited her artwork in galleries and museums throughout the U.S., receiving numerous industry awards, including the 3Arts Award, Davey Award, Telly Award, and Communicator Awards. Additionally, she has been honored with community-based awards, including the About Face Theater Lepton Leadership Award, the Center on Halsted Human First Award, the Pilsen Community Revueltas Award, and recognition as an Illinois State Comptroller Pride Month Honoree. Through her art, Kirk invites us to reflect on the intersections of our identities, celebrating the beauty found in our diverse experiences. With a rich tapestry of accomplishments and an unwavering commitment to advocacy, Kirk continues to push boundaries and inspire others through her work, fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience.

ABOUT EPIC ART:

Kimpton EPIC Hotel Miami’s EPIC Art program was launched in 2021 in an effort to support the local arts community. The bespoke Artist in Residency program provides a platform for South Florida artists to exhibit and sell their work while offering guests an insider’s look into Miami’s vibrant and diverse art scene. The gallery space hosts six artists per year with rotating exhibits every 6-8 weeks that pay homage to Cultural Diversity. Kimpton EPIC works with several local partners including the Greater Miami CVB’s Multi-Cultural Tourism department to identify and select artists for the program who reflect the culture, creativity and unique perspectives found in the art rich neighborhoods of South Florida. 

Guests who are interested in purchasing art from our current Artist in Residence are welcome to scan the QR codes located throughout the gallery to contact the artist directly.

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