Being Seen

"Art is magic—a drawing captures the essence of someone who has never seen themselves through an artist’s eyes. They become the center of my focus, with every line celebrating their unique beauty and story. I’ll never forget when a person I drew told me that my art had saved their life, revealing they were at a breaking point and considering taking their own life. In that heartfelt moment, I understood that my drawing wasn't just an image; it was a lifeline, a powerful reminder that they are seen, valued, and truly special. Art has a way of illuminating our worth, and sometimes, it can make all the difference." - Chris Larson

Larson began to explore portraits, particularly with colored pencil, in Provincetown Massachusetts in summer of 2019. During the height of the pandemic, Larson felt it was more important than ever for people to feel seen. He began drawing people from a distance and gifting them the completed portraits. Larson estimates he has completed about 3000 portraits since 2019.

Larson exhibited some of his favorite pieces he held on to (or were on loan from the owners) in a solo show in 2023.

NFTs and Digital Work

Find Chris’s latest digital work and NFTs on the Foundation Blockchain

www.foundation.app/artbychrislarson

Beyond the Rainbow

“Beyond the Rainbow” challenges the widely accepted “all-inclusive” rainbow flag, which many people believe represents the entirety of the LGBTQIA+ community. This project will revisit symbols of the past, weaving them into three 3D printed neoclassical-like modernized sculptures. Three mythological statues will each act as a reference to a particular historical protest/movement with the intent to magnify the power and beauty behind protest to seek justice.

Hercules

Hercules “Fighting Monsters”, a demigod of strength, refers to the 1987 “SILENCE = DEATH” campaign launched by ACT UP to raise awareness and advocate on behalf of those with HIV and AIDS.

Justice

Dike “WHY DON’T YOU DO SOMETHING?” is the goddess of justice and is positioned front and center in honor of the 50 year anniversary of Stonewall. The riot and standoff that ensued at Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in NYC in 1969, is considered the catalyst of the gay movement.

Venus

Venus “I am a Lavender Menace” is the goddess of beauty, represents a radical lesbian feminist protest within the women’s movement itself in 1970, directed at the National Organization for Women (NOW), which had dismissed lesbian issues.

"The 3 sculptures will be exhibited with a combination of LGBTQIA+ symbols and traditional symbols; the sculptures themselves are shown in black and white. This is to provoke conversations around the complexities of sexuality, identity, racism and prejudice even within our own community."

— Chris Larson