Meet Grhimm Xavier of Denver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Grhimm Xavier.

Hi Grhimm, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am an artist by trade. I started close to nine years ago. Originally I was a poet, with ambitions of creating an illustrated poetry book. A year after starting to write the file that had my manuscript got corrupted and lost all the work I had created. Instead of letting the frustration of losing a years worth of work bring me down. I decided to focus on the illustration aspect of the book since I wasn’t the best illustrator. In making the pivot, it lead to me going down a crazy journey. I grew up in Worcester Massachusetts, a city that was more similar to a large town. Since my city was a centralized location. New York, Boston, Rhode Island, and other east coast locations were easily accessible. It allowed me to learn and journey around the area for years developing my skills and growing my ambitions. I eventually after a few years of exploration had a canon event. I had always loved street art and graffiti. However growing up in a haitian immigrant family, that culture isn’t something that is encouraged. Still as the internet got introduced to the world I got more opportunities to find art, and writers, and even street artist. I still remember an old Art Basel article I read in the early 2000’s and they made mention of an old Greg Mike exhibit. I obsessed over it. I thought it was the coolest thing ever to bring art let alone illustrations to that level. In Worcester a festival happened to be in town. At the time it was called something else but now it is referred to as World Wide Walls. The festival was happening in Worcester for the first time. It brought the world’s top talent to my little city, it gave me a chance to learn and see what murals can do, the breaking point was Secret Walls. I was a bit of a shut in. I would go into places with the softest presence. It made things easier, less attention the better. Which lead to me getting to the front of the audience and see who was really participating. Low and behold Greg Mike! The very artist I had always looked up to and admired. In front of me drawing live. That experience left a true lasting impression on me. After that event I told myself I would be on that stage. That I would paint for that local festival. That I would take everything seriously. Three years later I was a featured muralist. That experience lead me to wanting more. Though I was running into an issue. I could see and look at all these ways to improve the scene and make something beyond myself. However I was still in the environment I had grown in. Colleagues saw me grow from spectator. The environment changed but I still had people who knew me from Pre K around. I would start to explore again out of Worcester. Exhibiting and participating in the more random art projects allowing me to make more friends and foster relationships. However still not the place where I can truly build. As my skills and experience grew I started to feel the pressures of being in a space too familiar. Eventually leading me to think about leaving. I looked into many cities. New York, Boston, Miami, but one visit to a dear art brother of mine to Denver. A deep breathe and a level of feeling at home. I decided on moving to Denver. I took a year off from my Art Trade and in the public eye and redirected to coming to Denver. On in November 2024 I landed in Denver and have been here learning and mapping since. I have been fortunate to start an Art Collective Vision 88. Where we are focused on building with the community and making art accessible for all.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth sounds like a fever dream. A person saying, “yeah it’s all good! (While there is pure carnage and chaos going off in the back of their memories)”

I am still in a space where I vocalize my frustrations with the journey. However, I am far enough to relish the moments in the journey. Obstacles let you know you are going the right way. Almost like if things go well with zero experience, something is off, especially along the way if you have no guidance.

That goes to say though. I struggled with myself. Who I thought I was and who I have become. I had to struggle with losing people who may not really had my best intention in mind. Not that they are bad just we weren’t on the same path. Those growing pains are tough.

The doubtful questions like, “Why am I doing this” “Is this even working”

The obstacles the come up when you plateau. When you over work yourself. When you don’t have boundaries.

I think that is the point, almost like if you have a dream of where you want to go, that would mean you aren’t there yet. But if you aren’t there yet you have to grow into it. Growth isn’t so much pain, but it is uncomfortable. You face parts you never imagined and those challenges and obstacles help show you who you are and where you need to be. That mentality and approach is what will get you through it all.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Hm I like to tell people I’m a wizard. Makes life easier. I am a Muralist for trade. I also paint traditionally, graphic design, a tiny bit of 3D design and toy making, I also started an Art Collective, Vision 88, where we do multiple things, mural installations, event curation, community engagement and service. I specialize in illustrations and abstract art. I have also won some local awards back in my hometown. I technically have a key to my city. What sets me apart from others is I am probably the world’s best kept secret and as the lore continues to unfold everyone will be happy it went the way it did. Less ego, more humble hands willing to work, and that to me is what makes sure the world can grow.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Find the people that see your passion. They will make sure to get you off on the right foot. Also learn to not take anything personal and never lose the student mentality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Vision88co.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grhimmx?igsh=MWp1YTh5Z3dsancz