Kalmplex’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kalmplex. Check out our conversation below.

Kalmplex, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My garden is flourishing nicely. I’m growing blue, red oyster mushrooms, tomatoes of various varieties, potatoes, mint, corn , bitter melon various herbs etc. I enjoy watching the bees chill in the sunflower and mexican sunflowers I’m growing. I enjoy waking up in the morning and watering my garden and watering it when I come home at night. I especially like watering at night because it gives me a chance to look up at the moon and stars and watch what’s happening in the sky.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a multimedia visual artist born and raised in Toronto to Jamaican and Ghanaian parents. I’ve been independently documenting art and culture in Toronto for over 2 decades. I ride my bike all year round and eat fruits and vegetables. I make dehydrated spicy fruit snax (@kalmplexsnax) using fruits such as mango, pineapple, kiwi, peaches etc. and sell them at farmers markets like The Dufferin Grove on Thursdays and Sorauren on Mondays both from 3-7pm. I’m currently working on paintings for my solo show A Kalmplex Ting happening at She Said Gallery (384 Roncesvalles ave Toronto, Canada) from November 14th -20th with the reception being held Friday November 14th from 7-10pm. I’ll also be participating in the Nia Centre’s Black Art fair located at 524 Oakwood ave Toronto, Canada from October 24th -26th. My portrait that was taken by South African photographer Zanele Muholi was featured at The Art Gallery of Ontario’s The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century. This year I had a solo show for Contact’s Photography Festival where I showcased over 1500 photos projected on a wall on a loop with a curated soundtrack along side some of my paintings and printed photos. I’m currently working on processing that show into a photo book.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I have a champion mindset as when I was younger I was always one of the best players on sports teams. I have several city championship trophies, one of which we won because I stole home bass for the winning play in baseball. I know I’m great and I know what it takes to win. Sometimes winning means getting back up on the board when you’re losing so I have a never give up on yourself mentality.
Lying breaks the bonds. The Most High and forgiveness restores them… but not everything.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Never give up on yourself, always be your authentic self and love yourself the most out of anyone in this world. That love of self will keep you out of situations/places you don”t belong. Give thx to the Most High always.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I show up to life authentically 24/7.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I uplifted the people around me and my documentation of Toronto serves as an example of love I have for my city and some of the people in it. And that my artwork brightens someones day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https;//www.kalmplex.com
• Instagram: @kalmplex, @kalmplexsnax, @isthejuicefreeornahtoronto
• Twitter: @kalmplex
• Youtube: dreadedstar