"My work explores the romance of the coast through a retro lens. Rooted in Chicago, I’m fascinated by the visual language of vintage waterside culture, simple and bold mid-century design, sun-faded palettes, and the sense of adventure found in old travel ephemera. I aim to create art that transports collectors into a moment suspended between memory and daydream."
Dee Penkee is a Chicago-based artist whose work blends Midwestern nostalgia with the sun-washed aesthetics of vintage coastal culture. Drawing inspiration from retro travel posters, shoreline memories, and the bold graphic style of mid-century design, Dee creates pieces that feel both timeless and refreshingly modern. Their work celebrates escapism, color, and the dreamy pull of the coast.