Lewis Blake is a London-born painter who now lives and works in Graz. His artistic style was shaped by his training with the renowned artist Damien Hirst. His work combines influences from documentary photography, graphic design, and anthropology into a distinctive, multifaceted visual language.
Modernist skyscrapers, baroque palaces, children's playground equipment, and ancient monuments are all given equal prominence in Blake's work. They are often stripped of their original color palettes in favor of brighter, more playful tones. Architectural forms are thus transformed into vibrant scenes that evoke places and emotions often at odds with their actual locations.
Blake's paintings are closely linked to documentary photography, graphic design, and anthropological research. The artist aims to capture buildings and monuments in a way they may not have been seen before—regardless of their previous cultural significance. By giving each structure a new, vivid exterior, he elevates it so that it can either be simply enjoyed or critically examined with a fresh perspective.
Since the end of 2018, Lewis Blake's work has focused on the Austrian city of Graz and its surroundings. As a complete newcomer, he approaches the city with an unbiased eye, resulting in a vibrant new series of works that highlights local landmarks and functional infrastructure alike.