Artist Ken Falana combines collage and silkscreen printmaking to create vividly colored, eye-catching abstract visuals. Visit his website to learn more.
“Erotic Voyage” Silkscreen Print, 27″ x 33″
I am and have always been an artist. My journey into the world of art began as a child when I began drawing the nude Renaissance sculptures I admired during frequent visits to the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota Florida during the 1950s.
“The Last Phase” Silkscreen Print, 25” x 39”
When I grew up I became the first of my family to attend college. I studied printmaking and drawing at Florida A&M University and graduated in 1964 with a degree in Art Education. After graduation, I moved to South Florida and taught art in public schools for a few years. I returned to school in 1971 to earn a MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1972. Working as an art educator for the next thirty years enabled me to raise a family, continue to create art and exhibit as much as possible.
“Wild Flowers” Water Color Pencil Drawing, 56” x 41”
My artwork spans over fifty years and involves the creation of prints, drawings, mixed media, and collages conceptually based on the artistic inspirations of Africa, the Civil Rights Movement and of my personal visions. As time went on, my artwork evolved and became more expressive and abstract.
“Storm Surge” Collage, 34” x 49”
In the 1990s, I developed a collage technique that combined collage and silkscreen printmaking together. Using this newfound technique, I began to create large scale art pieces.
“Flowering Tree” Silkscreen Collage, 60” x 44”
When asked, I describe myself as an abstract colorist. I enjoy experimenting with color and various printing techniques to create bold, abstract and colorful collections of prints and collages.
“Red Field” Silkscreen Collage Print, 60” x 44”
“Flowering Tree” and “Red Field” are what I call Silkscreen Construction Collages. I begin these pieces by silkscreening richly colored inks onto large sheets of paper that are then cut into shapes and assembled into large patterns on paper or canvas.
“Ripe Fruit” Silkscreen Collage Print, 61” x 40”
I approach the collage technique as a form of painting with paper. I use rich colors to evoke moods and an improvised arrangement of cut shapes to create a sense of space, depth and movement in my artwork.
Untitled, Silkscreen Collage Print, 60” x 48”
My latest series is created using the Monoprinting technique and is a response to the times I find myself now living in. The abstract improvised nature of these prints and collages represent the chaos and consternation that I observe in the mainstream media.
“River of Fire” Monoprint, 30” x 22”
The current ravages of climate change, political crisis mania and the uncertainty of the future of our environment are the inspirations for this series.
“Fire & Water” Monoprint, 30” x 22”
I retired a few years back from teaching at Florida A&M University; however, I have not retired from creating and sharing my view of my world through art.
Artist Ken Falana invites you to follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Ken Falana is a great artist to recognize his innovative approach to the history of printmaking. His work is beautiful!