Eye lounge is proud to present Kim Sweet's here | now as our first in-person exhibition since the beginning of the pandemic.

Bridging the gap between painter and poet, Kim Sweet’s work explores the mystery and magic that is present in all things. Her current exhibit examines the underlying emotions just beneath the surface that are often not fully conscious.

She states, “For me the studio is a place to get a glimpse at things that seem unclear. My practice helps me look at my choices, both as a painter and, in a larger way, as a human being.

These works are a bit of a meditation on the unconscious forces that have participated in my choices. They are a kind of portrait of those forces.”

Kim Sweet earned her BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. After graduation, she moved to NYC and began working with artist Donald Sultan, ultimately becoming his lead studio assistant. During this time, Kim traveled to install exhibitions and facilitated the management of a team of assistants involved in executing Donald Sultan’s  work. 

Kim’s experience in New York piqued her interest in running a more traditional studio business. She accepted an apprenticeship from the highly respected Simes Studio in Chicago. Here she developed skills needed to operate Sweet Decorative Painting, which she owns and runs presently and is currently based in Phoenix. 

But in early 2015 Kim began to feel the need to make her own work outside a purely decorative context. “ I love the work I do as a decorative painter, but there were always things in my life that I could not process, that did not fit into pretty little boxes.” What started out as a whisper became an urgent, desperate need to look at things that could no longer be ignored. Painting, poetry, and in a smaller way film and sculpture became a way for Kim to be in conversation with unexplainable things. 

In 2016 Kim became a member of the Eye Lounge in Phoenix as a way to develop a dialogue between her growing understanding of her studio work and a wider audience. “ I was no longer satisfied with just making the work. I wanted to know if it had any relevance outside the confines of my studio. Being accepted as a member of  the Eye Lounge was a gift. I feel privileged to be a part of this Phoenix Institution that has supported artists for 20 years. And am especially grateful that the Eye Lounge has found a way to remain relevant through the Pandemic” 

here | now is Kim Sweet’s third exhibition with the Eye Lounge it runs through August 9, 2020. And is by appointment only due to COVID_ 19. 

Appointments can be made by calling 602/373-7522, via email kimsweetart@gmail.com or DM via her Instagram kimsweetart.