Bio

Fred Kaems is a multi-disciplinary artist from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He works as a painter, muralist, designer, and maker. His work as a designer focuses on sleek modern objects that are often made for a specific function. This part of his practice relies heavily on cutting edge software and technology. This digital work is balanced with his practice as a painter and muralist which are largely self taught. His work as a painter stems from his background as a graffiti artist in his youth. This influence shows with bold colors, hand cut stencils, and the forgotten spaces of man that nature has begun to retake. The large-scale nature of graffiti and spray paint also translate well into his mural work.

He has participated in numerous juried, group, invitational shows, and his recently completed solo show Animals, Patterns, Debris, and STUFF LIKE THAT at Hot Pop in Milwaukee.  He has work in private collections spanning the nation from Atlanta, to California. He has created works for scores of large-scale clients, which include many commercial murals.

He has won awards including the Harold Milbrath award for Technical Thinking, The national design award from INFY Makers, and most recently an award for excellence in research at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.

Kaems earned his BFA from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in Digital Studio Practices; this is coupled with a certificate in Digital Fabrication and Design and also a Minor in Art History.