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Estelle Lovatt, FRSA, notes the departure from traditional representations in Cristina's work: “Away from the worn-out out-of-date academic portrait of the female muse, Cristina Schek’s attention-grabbing images are inspired by literature and history.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 'Fern Girl':

“Inspired by my love of nature, ‘Fern Gil’ is a construct of my imagination, a divine embodiment of vegetation, a Forest Goddess, an emblem of the birth-death-rebirth cycle of the natural year. She is made of prehistoric ferns from the time dinosaurs roamed the Earth, and she has survived several mass extinctions. She speaks to us profoundly and serves as a powerful voice in today's ecological upheaval. It's our duty to protect this miraculous entity, as if she were a child in our care." Cristina Schek

Press: 'Fern Girl' featured in Widewalls Magazine

Schek's portfolio is celebrated on a global scale, highlighted by prestigious exhibitions and art fairs such as the London Art Fair, Art Miami, NY Art Fair, LA Art Show. Her notable achievements include Young Masters Focus On The Female Art Created During Lockdown Award 2021 for her work 'Florence Lightingale', receiving recognition at Phillips Auction House with the BFAMI Art Exhibition 2022 and winning the W4 Fourth Plinth with 'The Ceiling In The Sky' monumental 4x4m public art installation in 2023. This prestigious recognition follows in the footsteps of Sir Peter Blake, whose artwork was the inaugural work on display.

Cristina Schek is represented internationally by Cynthia Corbett Gallery.

Cristina Schek

Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary 2023