We now take a break from our regularly scheduled programming . . .
Grab that Burnt Umber and Maximum Green and start coloring . . . no, not horses or castles or Smurfs, but instead, Kim Kardashian’s visage. If you had asked us here at NEXTpittsburgh HQ if we ever thought we’d have a search result for the words “Kim Kardashian” on our website, we’d have likely answered with a resounding definitely not.
Thanks to one industrious Pittsburgh artist, that’s about to change. The latest twist on the art-imitates-life phenomenon, we give you the new Kim Kardashian Coloring Book, created by Pittsburgh-based graphic designer and recent Carnegie Mellon graduate Christina Lee, who also does design work for the VIA Music & New Media Festival.
Inspired to create the project after perusing a friend’s copy of Selfish, Kim K’s book of—what else—endless selfies, Lee was surprised to learn that the reality TV star was not yet the subject of her own coloring book, and was determined to remedy the situation.
And it’s a good thing that coloring is not just for kids anymore. Lee’s fresh new twist on the creative outlet is also quite timely, as new research indicates that the meditative act of coloring is highly beneficial to all ages for its ability to combat stress, promote wellness and relaxation and stimulate fine motor skills, the senses and creative thinking.
Available for $12 on Lee’s Big Cartel website, the 20-page Kim Kardashian Coloring Book features “all of her best selfies.” Stripped down via Lee’s minimal graphic art style, the resulting images of the pop culture figure are equal parts surreal, clever and lovely, with even Hillary Clinton making a cameo in the book.
New York-based music magazine The Fader chatted with Lee about her creative process and the much buzzed about book. In his Q&A with the artist, Finally, A Kim Kardashian Coloring Book, Jeff Ihaza writes:
“Kim Kardashian’s book of selfies, Selfish was a success because it continued a tradition the Kardashians have perfected: meticulously honest public sharing. Still, for a celebrity that shares so much with the world, Kim K has yet to receive what is arguably the most flattering honor: a coloring book dedicated to her photos. While her husband Kanye has fairy tales based on his songs and rappers everywhere have a coloring book dedicated to them, the queen of selfies hasn’t, until now, received the Crayola treatment.”
Why Kim?
Kim Kardashian is a fascinating celebrity because you’re not really sure why she’s famous, but you could name at least 10 different reasons why. She has a profitable video game, stars in a reality show, has two famous fathers, is married to Kanye, has zillions of followers on Instagram, and the list goes on. If you ask any person why she’s famous, you’re not going to get a lot of the same answers.
I also find her incredibly relatable, not only because of her Instagram feed, but because of her career trajectory. Even though she was born into fame, nearly everyone can see themselves in Kim’s shoes because her public life is full of highs and lows.
Why a coloring book?
I grew up obsessed with coloring books, and I still am. I keep my 15-year-old Garfield coloring book very close to my heart. There’s been a resurgence in coloring books for adults, and I was surprised that Kim Kardashian didn’t have one yet– US pop culture is incredibly saturated with her image. I was inspired by flipping through a friend’s copy of Selfish, I thought it would be a fun idea if I transformed her selfies into a coloring book.
I also find her incredibly relatable, not only because of her Instagram feed, but because of her career trajectory. Even though she was born into fame, nearly everyone can see themselves in Kim’s shoes because her public life is full of highs and lows.
What other powerful figure deserves a coloring book?
The last coloring book I filled out was an Abraham Lincoln coloring book. I think there needs to be more female politicians with their own coloring books, and Hillary Clinton actually makes a cameo in the Kim Kardashian coloring book. She’s a powerful figure I immensely admire, and I would love to see her have her own coloring book.
Read The Fader‘s entire interview with Pittsburgh artist Christina Lee.