Wax, pigment, oil paint, silver leaf on gessoed canvas

38”W x 38”L

2013

Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Christopher Kier creates sensual and earthly paintings with encaustic surfaces that imply a sculptural presence. He evokes the mysterious qualities of old ruins, relics, homes and totemic objects. 

Christopher Kier has been perfecting the ancient art of encaustic painting - a process which involves mixing molten waxes with raw pigments then brushing it in repeated layers over the canvas, building up rich textural surfaces. Kier’s paintings are sensual and earthy and his organic surfaces imply sculptural presence by evoking the mysterious qualities of old ruins or archaeological relics. The images within the paintings are iconic vessels, architectural details or totemic objects that cross cultural boundaries by referencing primitive, spiritual themes. Kier’s rich colours and symbolic forms combine with the tactility of the layers of wax to make compelling objects that are visceral, yet meditative.