Renowned artist Aaron Kizer is hosting a live art show in Owensboro this summer, his first since 2019. Titled “Yousuf,” Kizer said the show draws inspiration from acclaimed Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh.
Kizer has always admired Karsh’s work, most notably his portrait photographs of iconic individuals from the 20th century. Some of Karsh’s notable pieces include Audrey Hepburn, Salvador Dali, Albert Einstein, and more.
“I’ll explain my reasoning for the name and discuss the significance of the connection the night of the show,” Kizer said. “I really want all elements of the show to be open-ended, where people can interpret it differently.”
Kizer has evolved his painting methods recently, adopting some of the same lighting techniques Karsh used for his photography.
“He used a lighting technique that works in negative spacing,” he said. “I’ll be showcasing this practice with my live paintings during the show. I’m trying to change how I paint, refresh everything, and give it a brand new look.”
The show is set for June 21 at the Owensboro Convention Center, the same date the City of Owensboro named Aaron Kizer Day in 2019.
Kizer will conduct 4 live paintings during the event, incorporating a sound system and programmed music to rival a concert. Kizer typically paints as a performer at various shows and galas.
Because he’s funding and organizing the event, he has much more control over the art and entertainment, he said.
“My goal is for you to feel the music and the experience as a whole,” he said. “I rarely do shows by myself, but it’s nice when I do because no external things are swaying me one way or another; I can paint what I want.”
Kizer plans for tickets to go on sale on his website here as soon as next week. Kizer Construction and RYco Jewelers are sponsoring the show.
