Kris Kuksi
About
Kris Kuksi, born March 2, 1973, in Springfield, Missouri, experienced a solitary and introverted childhood in rural Kansas amid isolation due to his mother's social phobia, an absent alcoholic father, and a working-class environment. This fostered a rich inner world of fantasy, influenced by toys like LEGO mixed with rural found objects. From a young age, he showed artistic talent, drawing intricate images by third grade, and pursued formal education, earning a BFA and MFA in painting from Fort Hays State University in 2002. He further honed old master techniques in workshops across Austria, Germany, and Italy between 2001 and 2006.[1][2][6][7]
Neo-Baroque, neo-Victorian assemblage sculptures blending apocalyptic dioramas with Baroque aesthetics, using thousands of collected parts like figurines and model components painted to resemble weathered marble.
Selected Exhibitions
- Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
- La Halle Saint Pierre Museum (Paris)
- Museum of the History of Science (Oxford)
- National Museum of the Marine Corps
- Mark Moore Gallery (Los Angeles)
- Joshua Liner Gallery (New York)
Awards
- Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition Finalist (2006)
- Virginia A. Groot Foundation 3rd Place (2013)