Artist Kevin Bongang, 28, is a man of many talents and few words—there’s something to be said for letting art speak for itself, after all. Born in Cameroon, West Africa and raised in Savannah, Ga., the current Woodstock dweller majored in illustration at the Atlanta College of Art, where he was able to hone his signature style awash in bold colors, swirling lines and out-there imagery with a result that’s cohesive and truly unique (something many artists strive for decades to perfect). These days, he’s collaborated with the likes of Bucketfeet footwear, Hodgepodge Coffee House & Gallery, Mailchimp and more.
Here, we talk to Bongang about where you can find him in ATL, what he’s got in the works and why he makes art.
CommonCreativ: Do you make art full-time or do you have a day job?
Kevin Bongang: I manage to do both somehow; it works itself out by the start of a new day. [For my day job,] I make sure commercials play on TV.
CC: What does your creative process look like?
KB: I try not to think as much—it’s all about being one with the process. Sometimes I reference photos, but more often I just play around with creating marks and lines until a recognizable visual becomes apparent. At this point my goal now becomes to relay this visual with the viewer.
CC: What are some pieces or collabs that you’re most proud of and why?
KB: Of recent, I’m pretty stoked about the billboard I completed for Mailchimp [at the corner of Dekalb Avenue and Krog Street]. I also have some shoes being released sometime in April for Bucketfeet footwear.
Mailchimp Billboard on Dekalb Ave by Krog Street Tunnel
CC:What do you do if you’re feeling uninspired?
KB: I take my dog, a lab/pit mix named Tank, on a long walk or I listen to music—probably Kendrick Lamar. A lot of times I listen to old Wu-Tang Clan records to get me going.
CC: How do you think your upbringing has influenced you as an artist?
KB: It is the reason is am me, and the reason I strive everyday to be better than the day before.
CC: Who are some of your favorite artists or creators, local or otherwise?
KB: God.
CC: What advice would you give to someone looking to find success through making art?
KB: I would ask them how bad they really wanted it, and tell them I wanted it more! It’s mad competition and discipline to find success in making art.
CC: Where’s your favorite spot to spend time in Atlanta?
KB: Hodgepodge Coffee House off Moreland Avenue—good coffee, food and art! I also did an outside mural for them a few years ago.
CC: Do you have any special pieces, collabs or shows coming up this year?
KB: I most certainly do. Everyone is invited to “Get me out of here: Escape/Return,” a group show with a few fellow art friends of mine. The Escape show opened last weekend at Hodgepodge Coffee House. It’s Barry Lee, Dan Rodda, Joseph Walton and myself.
CC: What are your thoughts on Atlanta’s creative/artistic scene?
KB: It’s good, but it could be better. The Atlanta scene is actually at this moment the best it has been in a while. I think a lot of creatives are putting action behind their inspirations and goals. Making dreams come true is what it’s all about!
CC: Why do you make art?
KB: It’s the ultimate freedom.
See more of Kevin’s work on his website or by following him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
