About An Artist
Hello and welcome! I’m Khalid Burgan, a passionate artist born in Brooklyn, NY with deep roots in the vibrant culture of Trinidad and Tobago where my family is from. My work is deeply influenced by the rich mythologies and fantastical worlds that have always captured my imagination.
Growing up reading and hearing stories of gods, heroes and ancient legends, I’ve found inspiration in the power of myth to convey subtle messages and emotions. My art blends these age-old narratives with contemporary themes, aiming to create pieces that invite reflection and wonder. Whether it is through vibrant paintings or illustrations, I strive to craft visual experiences that evoke a sense of mystery, adventure, and connection.
Each piece I create carries a piece of my soul, inviting you to embark on a journey through mythology, imagination, and the untold stories of the world.
Thank you for visiting and being part of my artistic journey.
This was my very first painting. I had just moved to New York in the early 2000s (2005 to be exact) and at the time, I didn’t consider myself a painter at all. Up until then, I’d only done some casual sketching here and there. But one day, with a ripped canvas, a starter kit, and a single brush, I decided to try something new. I didn’t know what I was doing, only that I needed to create.
When it was finished, I remember stepping back and thinking it was the greatest thing in the world. There was something raw and real about it, something that felt entirely mine. That humble beginning would go on to shape so much of my style. Since then, I’ve embraced the technique of painting canvases black before introducing bursts of color and movement; an echo of that first moment of discovery. That contrast, that energy, still speaks to me in almost everything I create today.
Storytelling is at the heart of everything I create. It’s the thread that weaves through each brushstroke, each character, each chaotic or quiet moment on the canvas. Over time, I’ve developed a personal style, something uniquely mine, that I like to call 'The Mandatory Meetings' or 'Class Reunion.'
The concept? A gathering. A lineup. A roll call of sorts. An eclectic cast of characters. Some humanoid, others entirely not, brought together to 'pose for picture day.' Whether they shimmer with personality or radiate mystery, each figure claims their space unapologetically, existing in harmony or discord, but always with intention.
These aren’t just paintings, they’re portraits of presence. Scenes of imagined memory. Visual myths waiting to be told, with every character playing their part in the grand reunion.
My time in New York was filled with unexpected twists, but none more powerful than the night I met an extraordinary woman; mysterious, magnetic, and beautifully unconventional. One quiet evening, under the hum of city lights and the hush of midnight, she shared with me the rich, spiritual world of Santería. That night opened a door. I stepped into the vibrant, powerful mythology of the Yoruban Orishas and never looked back.
The stories stayed with me, stirring something ancient and electric in my imagination. Eventually, I knew I had to paint them. I created a full pantheon. Each Orisha brought to life in color, energy, and reverence. I uploaded the piece to Facebook, not expecting much. But to my surprise, it resonated deeply. Someone reached out. They asked for a commission. Just like that, I had sold my first painting. That canvas wasn’t just a piece of art, it was the beginning of everything.