Daisha Kimbrough
Daisha MB
Travel - Family - Faith - Live Out Loud
I want to introduce Daisha Kimbrough, a self-taught artist extraordinaire. I met Daisha at the 2023 For the Culture Event. I was struck by her composure and self-confidence approach to the space and intrigued by her choice of canvas; more on that in a minute. Daisha's remarkable spirit and captivating depiction of the urban icon are on cardboard and are worth a second look. The concept is genius, the sheer beauty of an earth-inspired protection procedure centered on an urban-friendly canvas. Her work moved me so much that it inclined me to move from artist to art collector.
Daisha's life journey started in Jersey City, eventually leading her to Kansas City. She holds a master's degree in Executive Leadership and primarily works in advertising and marketing. As a young child, she had a keen interest in dance, writing, sketching, and her aspiration to become a fashion designer. Although her dream of attending the Academy of Art in San Francisco didn't materialize, she remains a self-taught artist who employs her craft to nurture her mental well-being, one of her greatest passions.
Most inspiration is found in cultural references; her work pays homage to figures who deserve more recognition for their profound influence on our communities. One of her favorite works was a piece she created of Angela Davis's first raised in power, called Say it Loud.
She is known for her distinctive artistic style of working with cardboard. This choice reflects her urban and rugged origins and adds a unique texture to her pieces. In her portraits, she predominantly uses shades of black, expertly applied with a limited palette and pallet knives. This technique allows her to create abstract textures while maintaining a sense of realism.
Her favorite artists are Basquiat, Warhol, Pollock, Matisse, Van Gogh, and Khalo; she wants viewers to feel the art here. She hopes that people find the opportunity to consider the art's cultural influence and why the details are present to create a thoughtful yet positive impact. For example, her flowers are abstract because they symbolize vulnerability and give you permission not to be perfect but still make an impact. Her parting words to every artist are to be yourself and not be afraid to be vulnerable. Be sure to check out Daisha's art on her website: Daisha MB. You can also see some of her work at the ‘Audacity and Tenacity’ exhibit at the Coffee Bar in Topeka and ‘Say It Loud’ exhibit at ArtsConnect. She also is doing her first solo Art Showcase in Kansas City, MO on March 8th, be sure to check it out!