The Artist Behind the Work

Derek King Jr. is an artist based out of Lexington, Kentucky. Using the human figure, Derek likes to tell stories of African Americans based on current events/popular culture going on today. From biblical themes, to everyday life in the African American community, Derek likes to use personal experiences to create a narrative that my viewer can digest and interpret for themselves as well as be a voice for the African American community, which in the past, has not been represented in major galleries or museums enough.
Derek earned his B.F.A. degree at the University of Kentucky in 2015, with a focus in drawing and painting. During his time of study, He was accepted into the Carrie Ellis Student Juried Art Show in 2011, 2012, and 2013. He also was accepted into the Juried Exhibition “Not Too Big” at the MS Rezny Gallery in 2013. In 2015 He held a solo show at the Tuska Gallery on the campus of the University of Kentucky for my B.F.A. In 2019 He held my first solo show at the Lyric Theatre Art Gallery in Lexington.

2013

Not 2 Big Small Art Show - MS Rezny Gallery - Lexington, KY

2015

”Wassup” - Tuska Gallery - University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

2019

”Sauce” - Lyric Theatre Art Gallery - Lexington, KY