Fred Kaems
Bold
Drawing directly from Kaems’ graffiti roots, the piece commands attention with layered color, sharp angles and geometric forms that feel in constant motion. It transforms the back-of-house corridor into a space of energy and identity—one that mirrors the forward-thinking, creative spirit at the core of the District.
Elixir of Life
Rendered in greys and blues, the piece centers on water—its flow, its force and its significance. Large native fish and a sweeping water spout reference the three rivers that run through downtown Milwaukee and into Lake Michigan. More than a visual shift, the mural becomes a reminder: of the city’s lifeblood, of our relationship to it and of the responsibility to protect what sustains us.
About Fred Kaems
Fred Kaems is a multi-disciplinary artist from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He works as a painter, muralist, designer, and maker. His work as a designer focuses on sleek modern objects that are often made for a specific function. This part of his practice relies heavily on cutting edge software and technology. This digital work is balanced with his practice as a painter and muralist which are largely self taught. His work as a painter stems from his background as a graffiti artist in his youth. This influence shows with bold colors, hand cut stencils, and the forgotten spaces of man that nature has begun to retake. The large-scale nature of graffiti and spray paint also translate well into his mural work.
Q&A with Fred Kaems
