KILLAMARI
About the artwork: On this jacket and the accompanying pair of boxing gloves, I aimed to represent Chiaki Mukai, Peggy Oki, and Dee Hamaguchi. All represent firsts in their fields of interest. As a father of 2 beautiful girls, I continue to educate myself about Asians and Asian-Americans, especially women, so that I can share that knowledge with my kids. Chiaki Mukai was the first Asian woman to go to space, Peggy Oki was the first woman on the Z-Boys skate team, and Dee Hamaguchi paved the way for women's ametuer boxing.
About the artist: Killamari is an Asian-American illustrator and street artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. Born in the year of the rat, a product of the 80’s, and a student of the 90’s, his work is heavily inspired by the music, colors, tastes, and cartoons from his childhood. He loves loud colors, heavy linework, and anything weird.
Killamari has also been an active member of the gallery and mural scene in Atlanta for the last 16 years. Getting his start at spaces like The Highlander (RIP), DooGallery, and ABV Gallery to name a few. Being the son of Cambodian and Vietnamese refugees, growing up in an immigrant-populated neighborhood, and being a father himself, representation is a key element in Killamari’s recent works. A lot of his murals feature Asian figures, with references to Southeast Asian mythology, and foods he loved to eat growing up. He does this so that as his daughters grow up, they can see Asian representation in the public space and have a sense of belonging.
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