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’.
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
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