Kris Hardy

Kris Hardy grew up in Nottingham, where daily life in the city immersed him in a constantly changing architectural landscape. One formative memory from childhood is watching the demolition of local council flats. Although the 1960s buildings were considered unsightly and uninhabitable, the bold, geometric shapes they formed against the skyline fascinated him, even at the age of eight.

He has long been drawn to the contrast between soft, romantic, flowing elements within cityscapes or landscapes and the harsh, often monolithic scale of urban architecture. This tension is reflected in his work, which combines strong, graphic lines and blocks of tone with softer foliage or organic forms. His influences range widely and include urban art and graffiti, Renaissance painting, contemporary culture, illustration, expressionism, and photography.

Working primarily in oil and acrylic on canvas, Kris uses a palette of soft pastels and vibrant colours, offset by sharp, bold near-blacks and deep purples. He is particularly inspired by cityscapes and iconic landmarks, from the energy of cities such as New York to the romance of Paris.

After studying Fine Art and Car Design, Kris graduated in 2000 with a first-class honours degree in Vehicle Design. He went on to complete a master’s degree at the Royal College of Art before working for Lotus Cars and designing for BMW. In 2003, he became a professional artist. For over a decade, his work has been exhibited in galleries across the UK, with numerous solo shows, international exhibitions aboard cruise ships, and commissions for figures such as Boris Johnson, as well as CEOs of companies including British Gas and Bonnier in Chelsea