Logistics and material management major, Chanin Kenner, completed an Honors Project for his art class in the fall 2022 semester. The piece is currently on display in the Marietta campus library.

“[Chanin’s] professor was so impressed that he shared a photo with me,” Ken Reaves, Marietta campus dean, said. “We wanted to begin the process of displaying our student artwork here in Marietta to give our site a student-friendly ambiance and show off the talent we have on site.”

The piece features two musicians that have left a lasting impression on their respective genres, communities and the global rock-star culture: Future and Jimi Hendrix.

“My inspiration for this project was immortalizing two individuals who have revolutionized the music industry in their respective eras. As a zealous listener for both artists, it was an honor to invent a comparative side-by-side where both legends could finally be seen in one take,” Kenner said.

He said that Future frequently compares himself to the guitar legend, Hendrix, making it evident that artwork should be created that allows viewers to “instantly draw key descriptions, similarities and contrast at once.”

Kenner said that time became a significant factor to consider in the creation of the piece given the level of detail he wanted to capture, mainly when painting intricate facial features.
It took Kenner around six weeks to complete the project between brainstorming and coursework, from sketching to signature.

The monochromatic tone is one of Kenner’s favorite details of the piece. He said limiting himself to using various shades of a single color produced a “different meaning” to the piece as one tone resulted in “one solid, bold statement.”

“Colors sometimes transcend one another, so using one tone for acclaimed artists who arguably are the most colorful, the monochromatic tone invites a sense of unity and respect for both icons,” Kenner said. “Doing this, the legacy speaks for itself in presence rather than color taking anything away.”

He said that Hendrix revolutionized rock music and became one of the most renowned musicians of the 20th century. Little did Hendrix know, a trailblazer in modern trap music, Future, would draw inspiration from his style and incorporate it into his music.

Kenner hopes that as others seek to understand the meaning of this piece, they will realize the “importance of impact” and that it will inspire them to think of how they will be remembered by others even after they are gone.

“Impact can mean a slew of different things in different situations. Whether it is politics, religion or art forms, you never know what your purpose could lead to or who’s watching,” Kenner said. “Staying true to yourself shows that your impact could potentially change anything or anyone.”

Reaves hopes other students interested in art or following an art pathway will be encouraged by Kenner’s piece and other artwork displayed on campus.