SHAFTESBURY ANNOUNCES KRISTJANA S WILLIAMS EXHIBITION

Internationally renowned artist, Kristjana S Williams, is to open a pop-up exhibition in London’s Carnaby. The 460sft space is located at 15-17 Foubert’s Place and will run from 8 to 21 July.

This is the first time the artist has hosted a pop-up since her days as Creative Director at Beyond the Valley, a fashion and design store once located in Newburgh Street. Her artwork has previously only been available through gallery exhibitions, art fairs and online through the KSW website.

The Carnaby exhibition will enable visitors to see Kristjana’s unique and fascinating artwork up close and personal, and to meet both the artist herself and the KSW Studio team. As well as the eye catching 3D original artworks, a wide variety of Limited Edition prints will be available to browse and buy, plus a selection of the artist’s eclectic interiors range, pieces that complement the artwork. The KSW team will also host a number of artist workshops at the store during July.

Kristjana S Williams commented: “This is an amazing opportunity for all of us at the Studio to engage with our customers and bring the artwork to life, face to face. Each piece I create has a unique story behind it, and while online has been a great vehicle for us during the restrictions of the past couple of years, nothing beats human interaction, and I can’t wait to showcase my work in a buzzy and vibrant retail environment.”

Simon Quayle, Shaftesbury Executive Director commented “We are delighted to host the Kristjana Williams exhibition having followed her career for many years. The themes of fantasy and imagination intertwined with Kristjana’s signature bright colours fit well with Carnaby’s diverse culture, and the addition of workshops will create an exciting activation space for Carnaby visitors this Summer”.

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 KSW pop-up store at 15-17 Foubert’s Place, London, will be open daily from 11am to 7pm, and 12pm to 6pm on Sundays.

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

For further information please contact Meghan Ryan/ Hannah Deacon at Sister London

[email protected] / [email protected]

Notes to editors:

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.

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.

@shaftesburyplc shaftesbury.co.uk

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.