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Kelly Frank  - Figurative Artist

"People are a process in which they simultaneously 

reveal and hide themselves"

Kelly Frank is a young British painter whose sensitive portraits capture the layered personalities of her sitters. Kelly explores portraiture through the lens of a psychologist and investigator, and her portraits of friends and family focus on their vulnerabilities

Her outlook, similar to that of an experienced councillor or therapist, is what's most important is what cannot be seen. Much of her work concerns hidden stories of domestic life as she seeks to peel away barriers and tell honest stories. Kelly was born in Durban, South Africa and after an intensive semester at the Barcelona Academy of Art in 2016 kick started her career as an artist. She recently appeared in the Sky Portrait Artist of the Year 2018 and her work has been exhibited at the Mall Galleries. Alongside her own projects she teaches painting and drawing classes.

 Her psychological approach is evident when she speaks about the ideas behind her paintings, ‘people are a process in which they simultaneously reveal and hide themselves’. 

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Education 

2005 - 2010

Heathcote School 

UCL, BSc Architecture

2012 - 2015

Awards 

2020

2019

(Nominated) Contemporary Young Artist Award, Newcastle

Bursary Holder Hesketh Hubbard Society, London

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Exhibitions 

2020

Hidden Truths (Solo), Genesis Cinema,, London

2020

Isolation, Blanco Gallery, Online

2020

Contemporary Young Artist Award, The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle 

2019

Hesketh Hubbard Society Bursary Holder, The Mall Galleries, London

2019

LoveNorthChingford Art trail, London

2019

Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2019, Sky Arts TV 

2019

137th Annual Exhibition, The Royal Ulster Academy, Belfast

2018

Be a Man, Theatre deli, London 

2018

Portray,V.23 - The Old Biscuit Factory, London

2018

SWA 157th Annual Exhibition, The Mall Galleries, London 

2017

Profile, Ma - Wah Gallery, London 

2017

SWA 156th Annual Exhibition, The Mall Galleries, London

2017

Spring Salon, Candid Arts Trust, London

2017

Portrait Exhibition, Candid Arts Trust, London 

2015

Open House London, The Mill, London

2015

Bartlett End of Year Show, The Bartlett, London 

2014

Open House London, The Mill London

2014

Bartlett End of Year Show, The Bartlett, London 

2013

Bartlett End of Year Show, The Bartlett, London 

2012

Queens Diamond Jubilee, Leytonstone House, London 

2018

Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2018, Sky Arts TV

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