CV:

Personal Profile

My name is Kai McAliley. I am a mixed media artist from Mid City, Los Angeles. I was fortunate to be raised by two black weirdos who moved across the country to pursue their dreams in the arts. They exposed me to a plethora of cultures and communities at an early age which helped me to develop a global understanding of both society and art making. Early on in my life I focused heavily on myself with my work. I used creating as a means of exploring my identity as a black queer person in America. Over time this mixed with my love of storytelling to imagine what this process would look like for others in a both a fictional and literal context. I began thinking about my own artistic practice as not only a means of personal expression but as a form of world building.

I aim to make artifacts and documents that tell the stories of a multitude of worlds.

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Education

2013-2020

Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences

Co-founded ‘A Lovely Company,’ a streetwear brand, which I designed, fostering entrepreneurial skills and community interaction.
Founding member of the Memories From Summer collective that organized a successful concert series showcasing young talent from across the city. Over the course of the 5 events we curated and hosted during the two years we were active we were able to help creative students from the East and West sides of Los Angeles connect and form community.
Took a Student Curators class where I and another student curated an art show featuring working artists at the school's Sam Francis Gallery.
Excelled as a four-year Varsity Soccer Athlete, demonstrating commitment and leadership on the field.
Active participant in Student Council, progressing to serve as Co-President of the Student Body in my senior year, where I spearheaded various student initiatives.

2020-2025

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Developed proficiency in industrial sewing, patterning, and draping, refining essential techniques in fashion design.
Enhanced technical skills through working at the Digital Fabrication Studio, specializing in the operation and maintenance of laser cutters and 3D printers.
Benefited from the institution's multidisciplinary approach, which broadened my design perspective and fostered innovation through exploration of diverse artistic methods such as: creative writing, analog electronics, sculpture and digital modelling.
Winner of the 2024 Bodybuilder Award for Sculpture/Installation in Fashion