My limb difference has always been part of the narrative of my work.
Experiencing life with a disability has given me a unique viewpoint on the world and that is reflected in my artwork. Through painting, collage, and new media projects, I consider my work to be an unfolding personal narrative.
My artwork addresses ableism and disability, and the mental and physical implications of these social constructs. In my work, I deconstruct identities that were built for me, not by me, and in turn make a new definition of my identity. The use of colors and patterns in my work are points of transcending struggle. They act as counterpoints to move through the portals of emotion.
Through expanding my work into the context of parenthood, I’ve been able to process and unpack the challenges that come with caregiving in a body that is different. My intention is to create dialogue and to illuminate the societal norms laid within the Mommy Hellscape that have most parents treading water, layered with the complexities of navigating caregiving in a disabled body. Although my artwork can be uncomfortable, I feel it’s important to communicate my experience with the viewer in hopes that it sparks a larger conversation.
Currently, I am exploring the connection of identity, disability, and belonging through video and collage work. You can follow the progress of this new series on Instagram: @kimhopsonstudio.
Thank you for taking the time to browse my artwork,
Warmly,
Kim
EDUCATION
2013, University of Houston- M.Ed. in Art Education, focus: Museum Education
2006, Texas State University - San Marcos- BFA in Art Education
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2024, MAMA NEEDS A RAISE!, Old Stone House & MCC, Brooklyn, NY
2024, Belonging Virtual Exhibition, Visionary Art Collective, Brooklyn, NY
2023, 19th Annual Small Works Show, 440 Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
2023, Gowanus Open Studios, Sweet Lorraine Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
2023, Labor, Mother Creatrix Collective, Spoke the Hub, Brooklyn, New York
2023, On Motherhood, Ongoing Conversation, Kyoto Shibori Museum, Kyoto, Japan
2023, First Come, First Hung, B Dry Goods, Brooklyn, New York
2023, Goodbye Gowanus!, Spoke the Hub-Gowanus Arts Annex, Brooklyn, New York
2023, Cut, Torn & Mended Virtual Exhibition, Spilt Milk Gallery, Edinburgh, Scotland
2023, TIME/ SPACE, Mother Creatrix Collective, Compère Collective, Brooklyn, New York
2023, Sweater Weather, Solo Exhibition, Spoke the Hub, Brooklyn, New York
2022, Awaken & Furor Virtual Exhibition, Roaring Artist Gallery, Houston, Texas
2022, Creator Casa Artist Showcase, Brooklyn, New York
2022, MAKE ART/ NOT SAD, Maternal Art Magazine Exhibition & Taking Up Space
2020, Austin Studio Tour, Virtual + Outdoor Art Experience, Big Medium, Austin, Texas
2019, Punk Rawk Lucky Kitty, entry #59, Houston Art Car Parade, Houston, Texas
2018, Punk Rawk Lucky Kitty, entry #40, Houston Art Car Parade, Houston, Texas
2018, Art Cars at SXSW Lyft House, Native Hostel, Austin, Texas
2018, Sisters Solidarity 3, The Movement Gallery, San Antonio, Texas
2018, Unconditional, Moon Gallery & Studio, Austin, Texas
2017, Medium Small: Future Forward, Art.Work Austin, Austin, Texas
2017, Art Will Save Us, Cherry Cola Dog, Austin, Texas
2017, Punk Rawk Lucky Kitty, entry #195, Houston Art Car Parade, Houston, Texas
RESIDENCIES & PROGRAMS
2023- 2024, The Canopy Program, NYC Crit Club, Brooklyn, NY
2020- 2021, Artist Residency in Motherhood, Austin, Texas & Brooklyn, NY
PUBLICATIONS, PAPERS, AND TALKS
“We’re in This Together- With Kim Hopson”, New Visionary Podcast
“The Nest, Painting”- Mother Art: The Second Act, Women United Art Magazine, Issue IV, 2023.
“Meet Kim Hopson”- Canvas Rebel Magazine, August 3rd, 2023.
“Challenging Ableism with Kim Hopson”- Women United ART PODCAST, June 4th, 2023.
“Mother is Tied Up at the Moment, Collage”- Cut, Torn & Mended Zine, Spilt Milk Gallery, 2023
“Featured Artist- Kim Hopson”- Women United Art Magazine, Issue 3, Spring 2023.
“Visionary Visits, Kim Hopson Studio Visit”- New Visionary Magazine, Issue 6, April 2023
“Kim Hopson Sweater Weather at Spoke the Hub Re:Creation Center”- Create! Magazine
“I Don’t Need Your Pity, I Just Want Some Help!” - Hoorf Podcast, Episode 5
"The Climb & Other Art”- Spoonie Press Magazine
“Diversity and Inclusion"- AIGA Webcast Series, Episode 3
"View From Inside” - Curriculum for the FotoFest 2014 Biennial of Contemporary Arab Photography
CURATION AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
2023- Current, Founding Member, Mother Creatrix Collective, NYC
2016- 2019, Curator, Giving Voice Poster Exhibition through AIGA Austin, IBM and Art Spark Texas
2016- 2019, Austin Design Week Volunteer Coordinator