About the Artist
PC: Evan Hutchings // No-Comply Pole-Jam // Wigle Recreation Center, Detroit MI // 2018
Detroit-based painter and illustrator, AJ Kesler chooses the line as his tool in creating quirky drawings – filled with meticulous patterns and fine touches of detail. Rather than depicting the world around him, AJ renders worlds of his own, often depicting whimsical juxtapositions of the seductive and silly. His work has been featured in museums and galleries throughout southeast Michigan. Being an eclectic spirit means having a lot of interests, or finding beauty in thoughts, experiences, and ideas. Drawing from his own interests, AJ uses his experience as a practicing juggler, fire-performer, and skateboarder to help shape his art. In 2013, he co-founded the Michigan skateboard company, Good Do Up Skateboards. AJ’s relationship between the world of art and skateboarding has encouraged him to curate events that enhance the community and bring youthful souls together.
Spraypaint Commission// Detroit, MI // November 2021
For mural inquiries, please email keslerart@gmail.com
Spray Paint and Brushes on Davis Street Skatepark // Kalamazoo, MI // September 2020
For mural inquiries please email keslerart@gmail.com
Mural Collaboration with Birdchow // Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI // May 2019
For mural inquiries please email keslerart@gmail.com
Mural Collaboration with Detroit artist, Birdchow // Droullard st, Windsor, ON // September 2018
For mural inquiries please email keslerart@gmail.com
Past Works
Solo Exhibition, “Pinky Toast”, Corktown Studios, Detroit, Mi, Sept, 2022
Solo exhibition at Corktown Studios Gallery
All American Trash Art Show, Reggie’s, Chicago, Il, Aug, 2022
Large group exhibition on skateboard decks
Mural at 1935 McGraw Ave, Detroit, MI, Nov 2021
30’ x 50’ spray paint mural
Solo Exhibition “Same Page,” Detroit, MI, Sept 2021
3-day exhibition with live music, fire performance, and refreshments
Mural at Detroit Shipping Company, Detroit, MI, Jan 2021
2nd floor mezzanine painted with brushes on wood
Mural at Davis Street Skatepark, Kalamazoo, MI, Sept 2020
Exterior 5' x 20' cement wall painted with spray paint and brushes
That's Our Friend! Tangent Gallery, Detroit, MI, Aug 15th 2020
Socially-distant display of fabric Egg-Study patches
Mural at Tangent Gallery, Detroit, MI, July 2020
Interior 5' x 5' Spray paint on drywall in the dressing room
Mural at Recycle Here! Detroit, MI, July 2020
Spray paint egg-study forms in new recycling facility
Old Soul Vintage, Detroit, MI, Jan 2020
Commissioned mural inside vintage store space
Theatre Bizarre, Masonic Temple, Detroit, MI, Oct 2019
Roaming character and stage performer: juggling and fire-spinning
Dally in the Alley, Detroit, MI, Sept 8th 2019
4th year live painting, vending, and juggling
Good Do Up Art Collective, Tangent Gallery, Detroit MI, July 13th 2019
Curated 5th annual group exhibition with over 50 artists
Live music, skateboarding, and art
International Juggler's Association Festival, Fort Wayne, IN, June 2019
Received the Unna Med scholarship to attend
Learned from many Jugglers from around the world
Impress Yo Self, Lakes of Fire, Rothbury, MI, June 2019
Larger-than-life pin impression toy called, "Impress Yo Self"
Collaboration with artists Dana Nyquist and Ashley Barnum
Made out of wood and PVC roughly 8' tall
Made with art grant from Lakes of Fire
Utopia Gardens Exhibition, Lafayette st, Detroit MI, May 6th — June 6th 2019
Solo exhibition, 20% of proceeds donated to the non-profit, Focus Hope
Cultural Traffic Arts Fair, El Club, Detroit MI, May 27th 2019
Pop up art exhibition with vending
Art & Amble Group Show, Tangent Gallery, Detroit, Mi, May 16th 2019
Group exhibition charity fundraiser by Green Living Science
Olympia Skateshop, Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI, May 2019
Commissioned collaborative mural with Birdchow on brick wall
A Big Do Up, Bikes & Coffee, Detroit, MI, April 6th — May 1st 2019
Solo exhibition, 20% of proceeds donated to Burners Without Borders Detroit
Theater Bizarre, Masonic Temple, Detroit, MI, Oct 12th – Oct 20th 2018
2nd year of character acting in full costume/ makeup
Carnival game operator
Dropped on Droullaird, Windsor, ON, Sept 22nd 2018
Commissioned mural on outdoor brick wall
Vending, live skateboarding, juggling, and fire performance
Second Annual Brainard Street Social Club Deck Art Show, Detroit, Mi, Aug 4th 2018
Group art show consisting of skateboard decks
Great Lakes Flow Festival, Camp Agawam, Lake Orion, MI, Aug 2nd – Aug 5th 2018
Lead organizer for art and vendors
Working extensively with a team of organizers through online platforms
Electric Forest, Rothbury, MI, June 21st – July 2nd 2018
2nd year character acting in the Psychedelic Chapel
Do Up at Motor City Brewing, Detroit, Mi, Nov 29th, 2017
Solo pop-up exhibition at Motor City Brewing Works
Eleven Eleven, Ponyride, Detroit, Mi, Oct 2017
Collaborative exhibition
Live music & skateboarding
Blooms, Bugs, Beasts, The Scarab Club, Detroit, Mi, May 2017
Group exhibition at the Scarab Club
Out for Art, The Detroit Historical Museum, Detroit, Mi, April 2017
Group art expo at The Detroit Historical Museum
Do Up at Brainard, Brainard Street Social Club, Detroit, Mi, Oct 29th, 2016
Solo exhibition at Brainard Street Social Club
Live music & skateboard contest
55th Annual Greater Michigan Exhibition, AB Dow Museum of Science & Art,
Midland, Mi, Oct 2016
Large group gallery exhibition
Senior Thesis Exhibition, Meadowbrook Gallery, Auburn Hills, Mi, Apr 2015
Thesis exhibition for BA in Studio Art: Drawing
Written and verbal dissertation in front of my peers
Co-Founded Good Do Up Skateboards, Michigan, July 2013
With business partner, Brandon Ash
Just in case you didn’t already know…