Kris Knight
KRIS KNIGHT "DAUPHIN" OIL ON PAPER, 2009
Kris Knight (b. 1980) is a celebrated contemporary Canadian painter, best known for his transformative portraits that portray queerness and masculinity from a nuanced and tender perspective.
Knight's work is acclaimed for his distinct portrayal of masculinity realized with his signature perspective that is wistful, tender and romantic. At the onset of his career he was particularly influenced by French portraiture of the 17th century, an era where the subjects would often be depicted in heavy white make-up giving the illusion of translucent skin tones.
This early work is paradigm of Knight's ability to fuse historical / Baroque elements and references with the contemporary. At first glance it is ambiguous which era this young man exists in. His fur coat and mysterious floral crown suggest he could be from a Shakespearean fantasy or an ancient Nordic fable. But upon closer inspection we see that this young man is wearing Adidas track pants, which gently peak out from the lower edge of the composition.
Like the best of Knight's portraits, "Dauphin" invites the viewer to create a narrative about this mysterious prince. "Dauphin" is a french term for the eldest son of France's King that was used for almost 500 years until the fall of the monarchy.
Knight's portraits, whether created from his imagination or based on models in his life, have an element of vulnerability and mystery. The scenes are somewhat cinematic, inviting the viewer to construct a narrative about the subject and to delve into their psyche.
Note: The proceeds from this sale will be donated to Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, a historic cultural hub in Toronto renowned for its role in cultivating and showcasing queer voices and stories on the stage since 1978
In February 2024, Knight's work will be the subject of a solo exhibition at Spinello Projects in Miami, FL. His work is represented in numerous private collections across Europe and North America.
Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720
Visit our Toronto gallery on Thursdays or by appointment.
"Dauphin"
Canada, 2009
Oil on prepared paper
Signed by artist on verso
14"H 11"W (work)
21.25"H 17.25"W (framed)
Very good condition.
- Where does the inventory ship from?
Our inventory is divided between New York and Toronto.
- Where do you ship to?
We can ship anywhere. Typically when we ship within North America we prefer to use FedEx or DHL. To Europe, Asia and beyond we generally use DHL.
- How much does it cost to ship?
For shipments within North America, we typically charge a flat rate fee. Many items on our site will list the rate. For shipping outside of North America, we can easily provide a quote and will look for the most efficient and economical option.
Most of the items on our site can be easily shipped internationally.
Occasionally we will recommend that an artwork be removed from its frame for shipping. Larger framed works are typically framed with plexiglass. We export over 80% of what we sell, so we are comfortable shipping anywhere.
- Are there additional taxes or fees?
When a work is valued above $2,500 usd there is a possibility of tax of 0.35%, but this is applied sporadically. There can similarly be an additional fee for customs brokerage and this can range from $20 - $65. US Taxes, duties and customs brokerage are not included in our flat rate shipping. However most of our shipments to the US enter without any additional fees.
- Do you provide a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, we guarantee everything we sell. We can provide both a digital and printed version of our certificate of authenticity.
What is your return policy?
- Caviar20 wants you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. We have a 7 day no-questions full refund return policy for your purchase. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. After 8 days returns are given a credit note. There is no expiration for our credit notes.
- What payment methods do you accept?
Canadian clients are welcomed and encouraged to pay with interac.