Create Motivate Inspire -
King Saladeen is one of those artist that inspires me on many different levels. He has a definite street vibe, but beyond that there is an underlying sophistication to his work with undertones of Jean Michael Basquait found in his paintings. He is not afraid to scroll what he is thinking directly on to his pieces, “Fuck Cancer”, “Dream Big” and “Create Motivate Inspire” amongst some of the few.
"Fuck Cancer - Dream Big - Create Motivate Inspire"
His foundation CMI. Create - Motivate - Inspire gives back to the community in creative ways. First and foremost by reminding those in need that they have not been left behind. Using his artwork to create a connection and remind children that there are infinite possibilities for their lives. Book bags loaded with school supplies, neighborhood basketball tournaments or delivering hundreds of turkeys for Thanksgiving are just a few of the ways that he has stayed connected. The foundation has also focused on the support of Cancer research efforts. Having lost his grandmother and his best friend to cancer he works with the Philly Fights Cancer Foundation to help battle this horrible disease.
"I create from the heart, not my eyes. My heart isn’t going to lie. My heart is always going to say what it feels. It’s going to really push out the definition of me on canvas or whatever I’m creating on…”
- King Saladeen
Born as Raheem Saladeen Johnson, King Saladeen became a world renown self-taught American contemporary artist whose works are exhibited all over the world. He is well-known for his iconic “Money Bear”. Saladeen has always painted and from youth to the present. As a child his parents let him beautify the walls of their house. This was a great outlet for him to express his emotions, gain insight to his creative self, and practice the skills he has mastered today.
As it is with many artist it was an outside influence that helped him make the leap to his art career. In King Saladeens case it was his friend John JP Thompson. JP purchased him his first professional art supplies and motivated him to follow his passions. In 2011 Saladeen launched the Saladeen Art Group. Sadly JP, the man gave him the support and motivation that he needed in a pivotal time tased away after a battle with brain cancer. You will find references to JP in many of Saladeen's works including the iconic “JP the Money Bear”.
King Saladeen’s works have been seen in the some of the hippest cites from the walls of the inner city to the poshest Galleries. Saladeen has also worked in collaboration with Karen Bystedt, Alec Monopoly, Mister E, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Rolls Royce, Nike and Neiman Marcus. To celebrate the release of JP the Money Bear “Triple Black” he asked to collaborate with all artist interested in submitting designs (yes even I did one).
“ While showing me the highlights of life and that we could do anything we dreamed of with a team, hard work and faith. JP lives on through my Art forever!”
- King Saladeen
“ King Saladeen has shown me the importance of balance in what we do, C-M-I and for that I am grateful".
- Johnny Blanco
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