Based in Chicago, Kennedy Free is a painter known for her whimsical gouache portraits. They reflect her intersectional experience and reimagine her existence without the typical social constraints that she and other Black women face. Her work offers a space where black womanhood exists in a romantic and feminine context. She enjoys experimenting with vibrant color, patterns, and textures to create dynamic and attention grabbing pieces. She often draws inspiration from herself or her material figures in her life.

As a founder of HourNine, an art collective focused on producing inclusive and creative experiences, she has dedicated the last four years to fostering a community that prioritizes women of color. Through her art and community work, she hopes to continue blending visual art with her passion for uplifting and connecting others.

Kennedy has been involved in many notable projects. One being the curation of an activation at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, this featured paints, textiles, music, and performance. Through the artist opportunity platform at HUG, Free curated a digital art show on a billboard in Times Square, NY. She recently was commissioned by the Design Museum Chicago to create a shirt design for their Chicago Threads' showcase. Follow her journey on Instagram: @kennedyfree_