CRISTINA SCHEK

Cristina Schek is the photosensitive kind. She thinks in pictures; her imagination is always in focus. A Transylvanian Surrealist now rooted in London, Schek crafts conceptual work that explores identity and the nature of representation, with literature, films, and art history as her muse. Completely self-taught in photography and far removed from traditional or documentary styles, the camera is merely a tool for the artist. Her true passion lies in storytelling—venturing into the unknown, layering, and crafting images into creative compositions.

Esteemed art critic Estelle Lovatt, FRSA, notes the departure from traditional representations in Cristina's work: “Away from the worn-out out-of-date academic portrait of the female muse, Cristina Schek’s attention-grabbing images are inspired by literature and history. I marvel at her unique quirky portraits of modern life, in interiors brimming with warm comfy chintz and cosy furniture. But the real clout and muscle comes from the lone woman masked, in her flowing gown, inspiring powerful messages of caution for women today. Different to a man’s representation of the female, Schek inspires us to be the victor not the victim. As a woman, though the lens of her eye, she created a new, unique, visual language influencing and motivating us to be as progressive and visionary as we are. To be assertive, bold, self-assured powerful, and confident. To develop and enlarge our value(s). To think, feminist weight solid enough, in images not just of her, but of you and me, in Schek’s sumptuous, surrealistic, delightful imaginings.”

About 'Florence Lightingale':

‘Florence Lightingale’ by Cristina Schek is a tribute to Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Florence gained the nickname ‘The Lady with the Lamp’ during her work at Scutari. ‘The Times’ reported that at night she would walk among the beds, checking the wounded men holding a light in her hand.

This work is part of a series Cristina created during the 2020 London Lockdown, titled “The Couchsurfing Series”. Each work is inspired by a particular Old Masters artwork dealing with isolation or the need to get out of the house.

“During the Lockdown imagination was my preferred way of escaping restrictions and that’s how I started creating work that would fuse the real with the surreal, permeating the everyday life in isolation with a sense of mystery. I was doing my travelling in between my ears.” says Cristina.

About 'Alice':

“This looks like an enhanced clip from an Ultra HD movie, rich in colour field luminosity. Beyond aesthetic values, Alice runs outside the shallowness of her smooth skin, shiny hair and pretty dress. Plotting her way over the (un)familiar, (un)known, (un)real verdant emerald green wonderland Alice declares, “This is impossible.” The Mad Hatter replies “Only if you believe it is.” Such is the persuasiveness of Cristina Schek’s phantasmagorial photographs.” Estelle Lovatt, FRSA about 'Alice'

Cristina Schek was awarded the Young Masters Focus On The Female Art Created During Lockdown Award 2021 for her work 'Florence Lightingale'. Other notable achievements include receiving recognition at Phillips Auction House with the BFAMI Art Exhibition and winning the W4 Fourth Plinth with 'The Ceiling In The Sky' monumental 4x4m public art installation.

Focus on The Female 2021 | Cristina Schek