About
b.1971, Gibraltar
Christian Hook is widely considered to be one of the world's leading figurative and equine artists. His art finds its roots in tradition yet breathes with a contemporary vitality that is both refreshing and nuanced.
In an expertly choreographed dance of colour and light, past and present converge to offer multiple viewpoints on a single subject, and his fractured images intersect to create complex and beautiful studies in time and motion. Each piece reflects a deep appreciation for classical art but is driven by his interest in science and philosophy and his ongoing quest for innovation and renewal.
In today's multimedia landscape, where artistic expression encompasses an unprecedentedly broad spectrum, Christian has achieved something genuinely rare: an authentic and personal style which is not simply recognisable — it is unmistakable.
He has explored many different paths in his search for greater self-expression and artistic truth, and his beautiful and timely body of work both charts this search and confirms his position as one of the foremost artistic voices of our time.
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Biography
First solo show in Mayfair at Clarendon Fine Art sold out. Multiple sell-out shows followed, establishing Christian as one of the most sought-after contemporary artists in the UK.
Won Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year with portraits of world champion boxer Amir Khan and Sir Ian McKellen. Prize was a commission to paint Alan Cumming for the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
Exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, London. Children in Crisis charity event with the Duchess of York. Featured in Little Book of Portraits and Portrait in a Day (Quadrille).
Featured in three Sky Arts documentaries painting Mick Hucknall, Fabrice Muamba and Sue Johnston.
Artwork selected by Sir John Leighton, Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland, as one of the top 100 masterpieces from over 100,000 pieces — alongside Rembrandt, Botticelli, Matisse, Picasso, and Hockney.
Featured on the cover of the FT Magazine with Kristin Scott Thomas. Accompanied the World Polo Team as resident artist on tours to India and China. Filmed live paintings of the Maharaja of Jodhpur, Joan Bakewell and Simon Callow.
Publication of Christian Hook: La Busqueda, retrospective catalogue raisonné.
Accorded the rare honour of Freedom of the City of Gibraltar by the Gibraltar Parliament. Invited to exhibit on board Cunard's luxury liner Queen Victoria, and launched the Darwin Series.
Released KI series. Exhibited at Art New York (Pier 94, Manhattan). Opening speaker at the 15th Althorp Literary Festival, exhibiting in the Tudor Picture Gallery alongside Van Dyck's War and Peace. Private view for guests of Earl Spencer; 1,500+ collectors attended.
Completed the celebrated Shodo and Newton series. Several paintings exhibited at London Art Fair 'Masterpiece'.
Completed commission of Sir Richard Branson entitled 'Zero Gravity'. Released Arabian series.
Sky Arts released the documentary 'Painting the Invisible', a landmark collaboration between art and science inspired by theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli. Interviewed on Sky News.
10-year retrospective exhibition at Clarendon Fine Art, Mayfair. Release of Neon, Shinme I & II collections. Portrait of Alan Cumming chosen by the V&A for their Tartan exhibition.
Publication of 'The Anatomy of a Concept', sequel to 'La Busqueda'. Appeared on Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Decade — Christian's portrait was chosen by Dame Judi Dench for her personal collection.
Winner: Extraordinary Achievement Award at the Gibraltar Cultural Awards.
Appeared at the Sky Arts Awards, painting Slash and Brian Johnson of AC/DC live. 'Electronic Paintings' exclusive preview at the National Portrait Gallery, hosted by Clarendon Fine Art in the Weston Wing.
Created a live portrait of the Godolphin racehorses at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Gibraltar National Museum officially added Christian's work to its permanent national collection — affirming his place in the cultural fabric of his homeland.
Permanent Collections
London
Edinburgh
Dundee, Scotland
Liverpool
Bolton
Gibraltar
Hook, Christian, The Anatomy of a Concept (Lichfield: DeMontfort Fine Art), 2023
Galton, Jeremy, The Encyclopaedia of Oil Painting Techniques (Kent: Search Press), 2017
Hook, Christian, La Busqueda (Lichfield: DeMontfort Fine Art), 2016
Leighton, John, 100 Masterpieces from the National Galleries of Scotland (Edinburgh: National Galleries of Scotland), 2015
Little Book of Portraits and Portrait in a Day, Quadrille publishers