Tiko Kerr

Tiko Kerr (July 8th, 1953) an Canadian artist born in Edmonton and currently based in Vancouver, and activist whose works primarily reflect Western Canadian culture.

Early life

Tiko Kerr was devoted to drawing as a child, and developed an interest in photography while growing up in Calgary. Although possessed by a powerful urge to create, his compassionate nature caused him to study biology in preparation for a degree in medicine. And in 1977 he received his BSc degree from the University of Calgary. ^{[1] [2]}

HIV/AIDS Causes

While still living in Australia, Kerr took his first test for HIV that proved to be positive. It was early on in the pandemic and lacking any available medical therapies, he returned to Canada, settling in Vancouver with his new partner of one year, Craig Shervey.

At this time,AIDS/HIV was still primarily unknown in Vancouver and Tiko Kerr found himself living in an unsympathetic provincial conservative government that looked to protect “healthy citizens” from harm than give better care, treatment and understanding to those infectived with the HIV virus.

Tiko knew he had to act to change the public perception of HIV/AIDS. Possessed with a sense of urgency, Kerr threw himself into learning about painting in acrylics on canvas.

In 1987 Kerr created the poster for the Stop AIDS Project, which under the guidance of Bob Tivey was the first public awareness event and art exhibition relating to AIDS in Vancouver.^[3] The campaign was also in response to legislation proposed by then BC Premier Bill Vander Zalm that would have allowed people with HIV/AIDS to be quarantined. This was the beginning of a full commitment on Kerr’s part to participate in the dialogue of issues for people affected by HIV/AIDS.^[4] Over time as his state of health declined, he began taking a succession of newly developing drugs which caused a variety of side-effects. He was also debilitated by an endless series of opportunistic infections, spinal meningitis, lipodysmorphia and peripheral neuropathy and as his vision deteriorated, his work began to waiver and undulate and spectral haloing reminiscent of Cloissonism began to appear.^[5]

Artistic Work

Kerr’s works have been in several public exhibits such as the Surrey Art Gallery, the Vancouver Art Gallery and a in unique collaboration with The British Columbia Provincial Ballet at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre and the National Arts Center^[6] in Ottawa. Kerr's art has graced the official T-shirts of the Vancouver Sun Run for over 10 years.^[7]

During the 1990s, Kerr’s work continued to document his life experiences, issues relating to his community and social concerns. Much of the paintings executed during these periods explored individuality and the atmosphere of the urban landscape and the existing contradictions of contemporary life that lie within.

As the severity of his condition with HIV/AIDS increased, Kerr began to create paintings in a body of work entitled “Felt Absence” where the occupant of a room has suddenly vanished, and yet there’s still a sense of them lingering invisibly in the air.^[8]

Kerr relentlessly participated in issues relating to arts and culture as well as housing affordability and first nations concerns and participated in art auctions for such non-profit organizations as Arts Umbrella, Face The World Foundation, Endeavour Society, Friends For Life, A Loving Spoonful, and Vancouver Native Health Society, to name a few and these experiences allowed him to develop friendships with other artists and the wider community.

In particular, it was Jack Shadbolt and his wife Doris whom Kerr came to know over summers on Hornby Island and who encouraged Kerr to pursue his own path. As a young man, Jack had been introduced to Emily Carr and expressed vividly how those early visits with her for him were instrumental in directing the course of his artistic development.This resonated with Kerr. They all enjoyed a rich friendship until Doris’ death in 2003.^{[9] [10]}

Current Causes

Tiko Kerr has been concerned over major new development projects in Vancouver’s West End district. This concern have been channeled into an effective and informed group of community residents called “West End Neighbours” where Kerr has been a director for 3 years. When the mayor of Vancouver assembled an advisory committee, Kerr participated and has been vocal about his experiences in his struggles with the City of Vancouver's West End Agenda^[11][12][13]

Notable Paintings

The Lazurus Tree

A Night Full of Stars (Maxine's)

Felt Absence

References

External links

• Tiko Kerr
• West End Neighbors/ Tiko Kerr
• Tiko Kerr`s artwork