Bio

Chris is a British artist. Exhibiting his work across Europe and North America, he is most recognized for his series of costume paintings. Inspired by his work in theatre and film, Chris paints from many productions as well as from the world of fashion, plus Royal and museum collections.

In 1983 Chris had his work accepted by the Royal Academy of Arts in London, UK for their prestigious Summer Exhibition. He has since won numerous other awards and been featured in many magazines and other articles.

He has recently been painting from the most successful theatre shows in the world, “Phantom of the Opera” and most recently, Disney’s “The Lion King”, which Disney placed on the cover of their “Behind the Curtain” brochure to celebrate their 20th anniversary in London.

As well as producing his own work, he is also a scenic artist for film and theatre. For 10 years he has served as the head of scenic art at both the Stratford Festival and the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Chris has worked on many sets, creating backdrops and related artwork and has contributed to major productions in London's West End and Broadway. He has painted for many major Hollywood films and many shows for the Cirque du Soleil.

Statement

“My Costume series invokes many stories. The people who have worn them, the performances they have played and the stages they have walked.  I have worked in theatre for a large part of my life, and this is my way to capture a part of that. It's difficult to marry painting with performance, acting and dance. But this is my attempt to do this.

The costumes are the stars, evoking memories of performances and often outliving the great actors who have worn them. This is also my homage to all the incredibly skilled people involved in actually creating these garments, from the designer, to the cutter, embroiderer, leatherworker, milliner… the list goes on!”

Website: www.chrisklein.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/chriskleinart

Instagram: www.instagram.com/chriskleinart