ACCLAIMED ARTIST, KRISTJANA S WILLIAMS, RETURNS TO CARNABY TO LAUNCH PUBLIC MURAL AND SEASONAL POP-UP

 

Following a successful summer season in London’s vibrant Carnaby district, London-based Icelandic artist, Kristjana S Williams (KSW) has once again brought her Studio to the West End, with a six-month pop-up at 56B Carnaby Street, and unveils new public art mural.

The 32ft long London themed mural, located on Little Marlborough Street, just off Carnaby Street, has been created by Kristjana to celebrate the history of Carnaby and will be launched on 24th November. Kristjana’s work is inspired by the natural world, and she uses Victorian engravings, ancient maps and antique prints which she layers with vibrant motifs, flora and fauna to bring her stories to life. The Carnaby Mural includes an aqua Thames sweeping through the city which has been overlaid with fascinating detail celebrating both London and the Carnaby district.

Kristjana is no stranger to the area, having previously run a fashion and design store in Carnaby whilst Creative Director at Beyond the Valley. This is the second time her artwork has been available for collectors to view and buy commercially, and will run alongside other KSW exhibitions taking place this Christmas.

As well as showcasing her critically acclaimed 3D original artworks, Limited Edition prints and interiors pieces, Kristjana will also be launching her first NFT project at the store, in partnership with VIVE arts. ‘Head in the Clouds’ will feature three NFT collections, based upon her core artworks ‘Heart of Nature’, ‘Drifting Skeleton’ and ‘Contemplating Skeleton’. These can be purchased globally through the VIVE Arts NFT platform, with the first collection launching on 7 December 2022.

Says Kristjana: “I am delighted to be back in this incredible part of London, and to bring my work to a wider audience of collectors. There is a unique story behind each piece and there is nothing like seeing the artwork in person. It also enables me to tell everyone about the newest phase of my work; my collaboration with VIVE arts to bring digital technology into my creative world has been an extraordinary process, and has been like bringing the world that exists inside my mind into reality.”

Simon Quayle, Shaftesbury Executive Director says: "Kristjana has been part of the Carnaby community since she opened 'Beyond the Valley' in 2005. We are delighted that the public will be able to see her amazing artwork at this scale on the mural, perfectly enhancing the Carnaby streetscape.”

The KSW Pop-Up store at 56B Carnaby Street, London, will be open daily from 11am to 7pm, and 12pm to 6pm on Sundays.

Dates for the Diary:

24th November: The Carnaby Mural Launch
24th November: KSW Store Opening Party from 6pm-8pm. 7th December: NFT Collection 1 Launch
Late December: NFT Collection 2 Launch

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About the Artist:

Icelandic born artist Kristjana S Williams studied graphic design and illustration at Central St Martins, and quickly gained critical acclaim as Creative Director of 'Beyond the Valley', a position she held for eight years. In 2011 she began creating fine art pieces as well as illustrating books and designing interior items. Her designs are inspired by nature, and her technique involves digitally and physically layering nature upon nature to mirror the symmetry that exists in all living things. Each piece is its own magical universe of exotic botanicals and vibrant animals.

Described by the New York Times as part of the ‘new antiquarian movement’, Kristjana’s three dimensional original work, Limited Edition prints and interior products feature Victorian engravings, which the artist has blended with verdant and exotic flora and fauna to stunning effect. Animals and insects are intertwined with lavish foliage, layered over ancient shipping maps and antique photographs. Fantastical new creatures are born, and what Kristjana calls ‘wishful forests’. These alluringly immersive two and three dimensional tableaus have won Kristjana many international awards including the Pentawards, D&D in book, a Clio Award and first prize in the New York Festivals Grand Prix.

Kristjana’s unique aesthetic, which is both mythical and modern, has led to collaborations with heritage brands such as Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, Browns Hotel and Penhaligon's as well as the iconic contemporary marques such as Paul Smith, Victoria & Albert Museum and London’s Shard.

Kristjana lives and works in West London.

For further information about the pop-up store or Kristjana S Williams artwork:

Follow @kristjanaswilliams
Visit www.kristjanaswilliams.com Email [email protected]

For further information about ‘Head in the Clouds’ NFT project, contact:

Sophie Balfour-Lynn, Sutton, [email protected]

About Carnaby:

Carnaby is in the heart of London’s West End, where over 100 retail brands of quality and distinction and over 60 independent restaurants, cafes and bars can be found across 14 streets, including the world famous Carnaby Street. Carnaby is a unique and iconic experiential shopping, dining and leisure destination.

Follow @CarnabyLondon and visit Carnaby.co.uk for full updates, news and information.

About Shaftesbury:

Shaftesbury owns and manages a 16 acre property portfolio in the liveliest parts of London's West End. The portfolio comprises of restaurants, cafés, pubs and shops, extending to apartments and offices in the highly popular, sought-after and prosperous locations of Carnaby, Seven Dials and Chinatown, together with substantial ownerships in East and West Covent Garden, Soho and Fitzrovia.

All our properties are close to the main West End Underground stations, and within ten minutes’ walk of the two West End transport hubs for the Elizabeth Line, at Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street.

Follow @shaftesburyplc shaftesbury.co.uk.