Artist Spotlight: Exploring the Creative World of Christian Hook
From Gibralter to Sky
We’re always excited to see the latest works by the innovative portrait artist Christian Hook. Having been named Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year in 2014, his career has soared with his work now gracing prestigious galleries and private collections.
His artistic journey began much earlier, however. Originally from Gibraltar, Hook's creativity took him from studying at Middlesex University to working for Disney, a testament to his diverse artistic influences and skills.
His Work
With experimentation his work is constantly developing, the pieces we have displayed in the gallery are regularly admired and often remarked upon. Christian Hook certainly isn't your typical portraitist.
Yes, he captures the essence of his subjects, whether film legends like Sir Ian McKellen and Judy Dench, royalty including Queen Elizabeth, or everyday people. There is always something more to the piece however, the exploration of a different perspective which has captured Hook’s imagination. Within these pieces, you'll discover a world where time plays tricks causing past and present to collide.
His paintings are like vibrant puzzles, demonstrating worlds hidden behind or within the apparent subject of the piece. Using layer upon layer of transparent paint, Hook builds a visual history that brings us glimpses of different moments to peek through. He says
“I believe that people are always waiting for something. We wait for something that lasts a minute, and then we’re waiting for the next thing. Everything happens in between, and this is an idea I develop in my painting.”
It’s a technique which creates a fascinating tension, with the subject appearing both familiar and fragmented, constantly in flux. With his unique approach, Hook seems to be inviting us to consider the passage of time and the evolving nature of identity.
If you’d like to find out more about the amazing Christian Hook and his works which continue to gain such high acclaim, get in touch. We'd love to chat about his unique style and you can find out which of his pieces we currently have on display.
