Sam Kirk is a multidisciplinary artist and curator, who explores culture and identity politics. Utilizing art as a communication tool, her work uncovers years of qualitative research which often leaves the viewer with a question, or unspoken request to walk through the world better than the day before.
Throughout her childhood, her family’s frequent moves to a variety of Chicago neighborhoods sparked her fascination with the nuances of the human experience. It was during these moments where she found herself discovering the cultures of the city and sorting through her own identity as a bi-racial, queer woman. Kirk’s artwork, much like her life has been an on-going discovery about how life’s experiences impact our identity. Her vibrant color palette, intricate line-work and layered backgrounds highlight cultural communities via multi-toned figures recalled from interactions with people around the world.
She intentionally uses the public space to spark dialogue around topics of equality and visibility. She is the first woman and American to participate in the Annual CASAMOUJA Street Art Festival in Casablanca, Morocco. A commission by World Business Chicago and the City of Casablanca, Kirk created the “Sister Cities” mural as a celebration of 35 years of programming between Chicago and Casablanca. In 2022, she collaborated with her wife to create a 60ft mural that celebrates marriage equality and the Afro-Caribbean cultures of Costa Rica in Alejuela, Costa Rica. This year, she created “Healing House”, a space for the community to reflect, grow, and thrive. Her first 3D interactive public art piece, combines knowledge and skills from the past decade of practice.
Kirk’s has been recognized for her work through several awards, both community based organizations and industry institutions: 2023 Leppen Leadership Award, About Face Theater, 2021 Telly Award, Communicator Award, LGBTQ State of Illinois Honoree, 2020 Davey Award, Human First Award, 2018 Chicago Revueltas Award, 2017 3Arts Make a Wave Award, 2014 Curators Choice Scope International Art Fair Art Basel Miami
Kirk has exhibited extensively at venues including museums and galleries across the US. Her public artwork has been commissioned nationally and internationally to recognize cultural achievements and acknowledgements of progress.
Healing House: A space for the community to reflect, cleanse, grow, and thrive. Installed at Urban Growers Collective in South Chicago, June 2023
Featured Artworks
Stronger Together Initiative: Using art and healing practices to unite the South and North Lawndale Communities, Summer 2020
Stronger Together Youth Workshops
The Forum, Chicago. A glimpse into the history while on the road to restoration for the community