Bio

Kameko Madere, a Los Angeles native, is a distinguished visual fine artist whose work bridges art, culture, and spirituality. She holds an MFA in Visual Arts from Azusa Pacific University and a BA in Business Management from The University of Redlands. Kameko’s artistry shines in her compelling portraiture of black female subjects using the gaze for an authentic interaction with color. Kameko resides in the city of Riverside, California continuing her mission to blend art, with advocacy and education .

CV

Dr. Kameko Madere , Riverside, Ca

    Education:

  • SOV Bible College / Honorary Doctorate of Divinity

  • Azusa Pacific University / MFA Visual Arts 2021

  • University of Redlands / BA Business Management 2017

    Solo Exhibits:

  • 2024 APU Duke Gallery - Azusa, Ca

  • 2021 APU Thesis Solo Exhibition - Azusa, Ca

  • 2017 Claremont Forum - Claremont, Ca

  • 2017 Fontana Art Depot - Fontana, Ca

  • 2016 Steelworkers Auditorium - Fontana, Ca.

  • 2016 Canyon Crest Winery - Riverside, Ca.

    Group Exhibits:

  • 2023 Las Laguna Art Gallery-Laguna Beach, Ca

  • 2021 Fontana Art Depot- Fontana, Ca (virtual)

  • 2020 Fontana Art Depot -Fontana, Ca. (virtual)

  • 2020 APU spring 2020 - Azusa, Ca

  • 2019 APU summer 2019 - Azusa, Ca

  • 2019 APU spring 2019 - Azusa, Ca

  • 2018 APU summer 2018 -Azusa, Ca

  • 2017 Live Oak Art Center - Columbus, Texas

  • 2016 Riverside Art Museum - Riverside, Ca

Awards & Publications

Awards & Certificates:

  • 2024 Certificate of Recognition , California Legislature Assembly

  • 2024 Certificate of Recognition, City of Downey

  • 2017 Certificate of Recognition; Service in the Arts, City of Fontana, California

    Publications:

  • 2024 APU News - Azusa, Ca.

  • 2023 Beverly Hills Art Show - Beverly Hills, Ca.

  • 2023 City of Commerce - Jurupa Valley, CA

  • 2022 CIVA / Christians in Visual Arts

  • 2021 July / APU MFA catalog

  • 2021 Herald New Fontana Community Newspaper

  • 2020 Pelican Publishing Co. / The Praline Lady Book


Artist Statement

  I am an image maker of realism portraiture inspired by art, history, and culture. Discovery, and storytelling stimulate my curiosity to imagine a face, a time period, a style, a person. Artists such as Edouard Manet, Berthe Morisot, Laura Wheeler Waring, Charles White, and Barkley Hendricks’ use of paint , the figure, and color influence the individuality, style, and narrative of my modern contemporary art.

My process starts in my imagination. I begin imagining skin tones, color, and design patterns to plan sketches. I use live models, photos, and fabrics. The Gee’s Bend quilts influence the abstract backgrounds of my work. Painting with oil is my first choice, then acrylics and watercolors. I like to work on stretched, primed canvas, papers or wood surfaces. Embellishments with rhinestones, threading , and fabric are often applied to accentuate design details.

   I am motivated to create multifaceted aspects of beauty and style within a space for the viewer to experience a personal encounter through seeing; an authentic interaction with color. My work is a collection, a reflection, a continuation to the conversation of the resilience, style, and spirit within my people.