Photo by Nina Duncan.

Chris Levine

Lightness of Being, 2024 (amfAR Gala Cannes 30th Anniversary)
Giclée print with pencil markings and Swarovski crystals mounted on aluminum
59 in. x 74.8 in. / 150 cm. x 190 cm.
Unique rendition

Chris Levine is an artist who works across many mediums in pursuit of a meditative experience through image and form. His medium is Light, and in the case of his portraiture the artist talks about capturing the inner Light. Levine is perhaps best known for producing what is already being described as one of the most iconic images of the twenty-first century: Lightness of Being. With light as its message, the sensational portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II presents an utterly fresh depiction of the most famous woman in the world.

This unique rendition of Lightness of Being was conceived specially for the 30th anniversary edition of amfAR Gala Cannes and represents the largest iteration of the work ever created, with hand drawing and Swarovski crystals, and mounted on aluminum.

Levine had two historic sittings at Buckingham Palace for which he styled the Queen, selecting her clothes and jewelry for the portrait including the ceremonial diamond diadem crown.

Levine has had solo exhibitions at numerous institutions and galleries, including a 2021 career-defining solo exhibition at the prestigious Houghton Hall, England, following James Turrell, Anish Kapoor, Damien Hirst and Henry Moore. Other exhibitions include Collectors Contemporary, Singapore; Annenberg Foundation, Los Angeles; Museum of Modern Art, New York; the National, Scotland; and at The Royal Opera House, Saatchi Gallery, and National Portrait Gallery in London.

Courtesy of the artist (@chrislevine)

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