Artist in Residence: Kool Koor at SAS
For three weeks, the Shanghai American School community welcomed internationally recognized graffiti artist Kool Koor as our guest Artist in Residence. Known for his futuristic, abstract visual language, Kool Koor grew up in the South Bronx and helped push graffiti from street corners to gallery walls. His space-inspired compositions have been featured in major art scenes across the world, yet in the studio he remains most passionate about helping young artists discover their creative voice.
During his time at SAS, Kool Koor led workshops for students and faculty across all divisions. His process encouraged students to focus on movement, shape, and what he describes as their artistic DNA. He began each session with quiet reflection, helping students disconnect from distraction and trust their instincts.
One of his core messages was simple: there are no mistakes in the creative process. Every unexpected brushstroke or shift in direction reveals something new. “I try to help them unlock what already belongs to them,” he shared. “When they trust the process, they discover that creativity is not perfect. It is personal.”
Students embraced that philosophy immediately. Using oversized canvases and large brushes, many experimented with expanded scale for the first time. According to middle school art teacher Keren O’Connor, “They felt their brushstrokes were more fluid. They loved the freedom of not needing to be exact and simply playing with color and motion.”
The SAS Artist in Residence Program provides students with insights into the life of a professional artist. Kool Koor spoke openly about discipline in the studio, respect for tools, and the importance of structure in creative work. Ivy Wong, high school art teacher, shared that “Kool Koor’s stories offered invaluable insight into the evolution of urban art and the challenges and triumphs of a creative career.”
In the last week of his visit, he led workshops for an arts festival SAS hosted. Students from several international schools joined SAS artists for three days of collaborative projects, mural designs, and creative exchange among peers.
The impact of Kool Koor’s visit was immediate and lasting. Classrooms became energized, canvases became larger, and students began to approach art with greater confidence and curiosity. They left the workshops not only with bold new work, but also with a deeper understanding that creativity is about process, experimentation, and trusting their own artistic voice.
