Kimberly Ann Cruz (born December 13, 1997), better known as Kim Cruz, is a Filipina artist, TV host, and social media influencer. She began working at the early age of 17 at the Philippine TV music channel, MYX as a host. After her stint with MYX, she ventured further into hosting by moving to ESPN Philippines before pursuing a career in the arts.
Photo by Juan Carlo Jose
Kim’s journey into the world of art began when the global pandemic hit in 2020 and she pursued a gallery internship as a result of acting on her original passion. She was exposed to the arts at an early age thanks to her parents as they were art collectors that had a liking to figurative art. Kim is a fan of artists like Monet, Renoir, Basquiat, O’ Keefe, Ben Cab, and Lydia Velasco, describing them as some of her biggest influences.
In the middle of her internship, Kim met Philippine National Artist, Ben Cab when he had a show at a gallery that she worked at alongside Mr. Ronald Ventura. Shortly after, Ben Cab took Kim under his wing as his apprentice where she was able to further hone her skills as an artist.
During her time with Ben Cab, Kim was able to find her own distinct style as an artist which centers on depicting the beauty in the female form and figure. The essence of a woman is something Kim would like to portray in her art through her techniques when it comes to textures and colors.
Photo by Juan Carlo Jose
In June 2021, Kim held her first exhibit in Manila entitled, Figure Study. The exhibit showcased huge pieces and some works in charcoal. On the first day of the exhibit, all 14 of Kim’s pieces were purchased.
Kim has had a lot of notable art collectors from the Philippines as her clients since then consisting of professional athletes and actors locally and as well as from the United States. A recent commissioned piece that Kim did was for Jordan Poole of the Golden State Warriors. She has also done some commission pieces for homes as well for Ben Cab, Bigboy Cheng, Brian Poe, Eric Dee to name a few.
This year, Kim is starting strong by holding her next exhibit in Manila this coming March. She plans on releasing new pieces and showcase a new style in her work. The exhibit entitled, “NYMPHEAS”, is inspired by one of Kim’s biggest inspirations in art, Monet. The theme will embody the essence of a woman – celebrating all kinds of women as well no matter the color.
Photo by Juan Carlo Jose
Kim aims to highlight the versatility of women through this series. Compared to her first show, Kim shares that she has felt free as a creative and was able to connect with her female energy more. She was able to show a more personal side of her as an artist and to apply a lot of her thoughts to her work.
Kim will be exhibiting 16 works in different mediums and sizes in NYMPHEAS and she will be releasing her first collection of NFTs as well after the exhibit. She will also be releasing a few pieces as well for the victims of Typhoon Odette. The proceeds will be donated to community work and the rebuilding of Siargao, Philippines.
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