About
Biography
Christopher Lary
Christopher Lary (b. 1959) is a South African mixed-media artist, painter and sculptor based in Rooiels, Western Cape. He studied at the Michaelis School of Fine Art at the University of Cape Town.
Following many years working in the advertising and film industries as a storyboard artist, Christopher’s longstanding passion for fine art led him to pursue his practice full-time. His work is primarily figurative, with a focus on portraiture and the expression of human experience.
Working from his home studio in Rooiels, he continues to explore the relationship between material, texture and emotional presence.
Artist Statement
My work explores the nuances of human emotion and presence through figurative painting and portraiture.
The process begins with my own response to the subject. Through the interplay of line, colour, texture and material, I seek to convey an emotional presence that invites viewers to pause, reflect and find their own connection with the work.
I work with a range of mixed media, including acrylic, pastels and fragments of torn newspaper, magazines and script applied to canvas, cardboard and paper. These materials allow me to build tactile, layered surfaces that enhance the physical character of the figure and contribute to its emotional expression.
Ultimately, my work is an exploration of our shared human experience - the feelings, connections and moments that make us who we are.
Selected Exhibitions
2026
Fine Art Africa Gallery · Hout Bay / Cape Town, South Africa
2026
YOU&I Gallery · Sea Point / Cape Town, South Africa
2025
JudyMac Gallery · Kleinmond / Cape Town, South Africa
2024
Chadoka Creative Gallery · Pringle Bay / Cape Town, South Africa
2023
Yiull Damaso Gallery · Bettys Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
Connect with the studio.
Write to Chris directly at [email protected] or call 083 7089 555 regarding available works and commissions.