Kevin A. Williams
@artbywak
Kevin A. Williams, better known by the art moniker WAK, his initials backwards, is an American painter and businessman from Chicago’s South Side. He is one of the most celebrated figurative storytellers of this era with his collection of paintings being the most widely circulated urban fine art series in the world.
At the age of 15, Kevin A. Williams started working as an artist on Chicago’s Historic East 87th Street Black Business District, drawing and painting images for clothing boutiques and hair salons. At 19, he became a cosmetology illustrator for Soft Sheen hair products, which eventually led to a commission from Alberto Culver USA to create “Standing Appointment,” which depicts four women under hair dryers, for their Motions hair care line. It is regarded the most popular art image in the history of the hair care industry.
While developing his fine art line, Williams worked exclusively with the late Actor/Comedian Bernie Mac as his personal artist for over 15 years, creating over 20 original paintings, including a very important piece commissioned by the Actor/Comedian as a gift for Oprah Winfrey. The piece, titled “Anointed Gift,” was unveiled on Oprah’s televised 50th birthday celebration, and was regarded by her as “the most amazing gift.” This amazing gift currently hangs in the lobby of Winfrey’s Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.
Kevin currently resides in Atlanta, GA.