Venetian Mask Painting

International South Australian Artist Chris Wake was a finalist in the 2008 Sovereign Asian Art Prize a high profile, international art prize covering the whole of Asia,  Wake was one of 30 finalists selected out of over 1100 nominated artists Paintings were exhibited at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, then Hong Kong for final judging . The eminent judges came from around the world including curators from Tate Modern, Guggenheim museums.  The paintings were then auctioned by Sothebys Hong Kong with Chris Wake`s painting “Dali is Not So Crazy” achieving the second highest price out of the 30 lots auctioned. With more than 18 solo exhibitions and 40 group exhibitions some of which have been sell out shows Chris Wake`s reputation continues to grow . Chris Wake is represented by fine art galleries in Australia and overseas and her work is in private and corporate collections.  Chris Wake was born in Adelaide in 1960, and has been painting since 1976 .   The current theme of her work is about global warming, the water level is rising and the animals are rescuing us.  A satirical comment about man`s inability to take care of the planet and to share it peacefully with other species.   Chris Wake studied Fine Art at Adelaide Central School of Art and has been painting since 1976.  Wake`s paintings are now much sought after by corporate and private collectors in Australia and internationally.   Chris Wake was invited to exhibit in the 2012 Monaco Art Fair & was also one of the international painters, representing 32 different nations chosen to participate in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Fine Art exhibition in South Africa. Chris was commissioned by 2010 Fine Art because she already achieved international recognition as a finalist in the 2008 Sovereign Asian Art Prize held in Hong Kong. The paintings are for sale online or through fine art dealers and galleries. Chris Wake also paints family portraits by commission. Artist Statement -"As an artist, I am compelled to go beyond a purely decorative visual connection between the artist and viewer, to a place where my work is a catalyst of discussion, challenge, or humor. My works insists the viewer interacts with the painting and I am fascinated by individuals reactions and interpretations."