Grotesk was born in 1974 in Geneva, he currently lives and works in Oregon.
Kimou Meyer (alias Grotesk) is a Swiss-born artist known for his distinctive and dynamic visual language that explores the mundane moments of human life. From his parents' scale model studio in Geneva to the busy streets of New York City, Kimou's creative journey has been marked by a constant drive to innovate and experiment. His work draws inspiration from diverse sources, including the minimalist architecture of his childhood environment and the chaotic visual language of Hip Hop and skate culture. In 1999 established himself as a formidable presence in the world of illustration, streetwear, and creative direction upon moving to New York City. As his alter ego Grotesk, Kimou developed a unique artistic vision that delves into themes of sport, urban life and anonymity. Kimou's expertise in character studies is evident in his exploration of body posture and emotion, employing simplified language to communicate complex ideas.
Kimou's career has flourished with his co-founding of Doubleday & Cartwright, a sports-focused creative agency, and Victory Journal, a cutting-edge publication. He has also led significant commercial projects, such as the rebranding of the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks and the development of David Beckham's MLS franchise, Inter Miami CF.
Today, Kimou resides in Portland, Oregon, with his family while continuing to push boundaries as a creative director for Nike. His ability to combine his diverse background with a relentless pursuit of new visual output is what makes Kimou Meyer a happy-to-be-unhappy artist. He exhibited at Antonio Colombo Arte Contemporanea in 2023.