Karim “Rim” Chambers is a Bronx-born visual artist whose work bridges fine art precision with the soul of the streets. Raised in the cultural heart of New York City, Rim has been drawing since he could hold a pencil—sharpening his skills in sketchbooks, on walls, and anywhere he could leave a mark. Art isn’t just something he does—it’s how he speaks, remembers, and resists.

After earning his BFA in Illustration in 1999, Rim went on to complete a Master’s in Digital Arts at the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2001. That foundation gave him the technical fluency to work across media, but his real power comes from a deep connection to his subjects and a commitment to telling stories that matter.

Over the last decade, Rim has built a name for himself on the East Coast art scene and beyond. His paintings—primarily portraits and animal studies—are known for their bold realism, layered emotion, and cultural weight. You’ll often see influences from the African Diaspora, urban life, and historical narratives woven into his compositions. His art doesn’t just hang on walls—it holds presence. People don’t just view it—they feel it.

Rim’s style balances traditional technique with contemporary themes, using acrylics, graphite, and digital tools to achieve depth, contrast, and detail that pull viewers in. His portraits often feel almost photographic, yet there’s something more—something alive beneath the surface. Whether he’s painting a face, an animal, or a symbolic backdrop, there’s always a message built into the work: resilience, identity, memory, pride.

A major part of Rim’s focus is on capturing and honoring Black life and legacy. Through deep research and personal reflection, he creates art that speaks to the power, complexity, and endurance of People of Color—past and present. His work has been described as “visual testimony,” shining a light on stories that don’t always make it into textbooks or mainstream galleries.

Over the years, Rim’s art has been exhibited widely, featured in galleries, pop-ups, and traveling shows from New York to the South. His work has caught the attention of collectors, curators, and everyday people alike—those who connect with the soul in the brushstrokes and the story behind each piece. His portrait commissions continue to grow, and his reach expands with every exhibition and online drop.

At his core, Rim is about truth-telling through art. His mission is to educate, uplift, and preserve culture—one canvas at a time. Whether it’s a commission for a client, a showpiece for a gallery, or a personal project born from lived experience, every work carries weight. Every piece is a reminder: we’ve always been here. We’ve always had something to say.

Follow Rim the Artist as he continues to shape the visual narrative of his community—unapologetically, skillfully, and with heart. This is more than art. This is legacy in motion.