Kim Dacres Revitalizes Sleek Tires, Chains, and Gears in Defiant Sculptures — Colossal

Kim Dacres, a New York-based artist, is known for her ability to breathe new life into worn materials, crafting expressive sculptures from discarded rubber. She skillfully twists and braids old tire treads into sleek hairstyles typical of Black culture, adorning them with crown-like gears and metal bike chain jewelry. Through spray painting, she conceals imperfections, transforming what might be considered useless into bold artistic portraits.

Her latest collection continues a series of commemorative busts that celebrate individuals who have inspired and influenced her. This collection is currently on display at Charles Moffett gallery. Titled Lost on a Two Way Street, it builds on her previous work by introducing flatter wall pieces reminiscent of Victorian-era cameos. The gallery explains that “the emphasis on the subjects’ buns and braiding underscores the extreme efforts required to ‘keep up’ appearances in the harshest of environments—an acknowledgment of the vital role played by Dacres’ community in uplifting her spirit and maintaining her mental health.”

In a direct commentary on the current political landscape, Dacres reimagines the U.S. flag by replacing the stars with Black and brown figures. The flag’s frayed stripes hold these faceless figures tightly, restricting movement. These pieces, as described, “flash in distress and cry out to a helpless void—their condition betraying the truth of a symbol that has long failed to live up to its promise.”

Lost on a Two Way Street is open for viewing from May 7 to June 20 in New York. To explore more of Dacres’ art, visit her Instagram page.