Kristian Mumford is dedicated to representational art that works in paint, drawing; the beauty of life. Mumford has a passion for conservation, the stars, and music. Mumford [b. 1980] is a professionally trained and then also self taught Australian artist with more than 14 national and international awards to his credit. Whilst completing his post graduate degree in Landscape Architecture after a Bach. Visual Arts and PG Diploma in Digital Arts, Mumford was mentored by leading master of watercolour, Joseph Zbukvic and others, then he pick up the 7 traditional truths of painting. Confidently working between NSW, Victoria and South Australia, under a family outfit White Wave Studios, Mumford also draws inspiration from classic masters including, Sorolla, and John Singer Sargent; as well as modern/contemporary living artists, he likes the grand coastline and mountains of Fleurieu Peninsula, in remote locations where he paints and collects references. In spring and autumn he also likes the endless natural vermilion and sapphire of S.E. Queensland. In the past he also spent time living south of Melbourne and Eltham, Victoria.
Skillfully evoking the warm romantic beauty of the Southern of Australia has made Mumford not only highly collectible, but one of a rising generation of artists breathing new life into the Australian figurative & landscape tradition.
Mumford’s impressive achievements and success are due to his ability to transform any subject matter into visual poetry. He is a avid visual composer and illuminist, and his painterly approach extends to most categories; the figratives are commanding and seductive, the Landscapes illuminating, and masculine, and both often merge. However diverse, Mumford’s art work offers a glimpse into another’s soul, which in turn will give you a glimpse into your own. These, he believes, are the central reasons why we are driven to create and to appreciate the creations of others. This can be seen in his soft layering of true-to-nature colour, traditional brushwork, paint handling, and draftsmanship.
His work continues to draw critical acclaim with 50 shows, including solo exhibitions in Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide, New York and has been awarded the Fleurieu Landscape one day painting Prize merit; first prize twice and peoples choice in the National Just Nudes Prize. Also the People Choice Award, Clifton Art Prize 2011; Merit Award Mclaren Vale Harvest Festival 2012; Finalist for drawing, international Saatchi showdown 2011; Finalist in the Business SA Advertiser contemporary art awards 2012.
He has been awarded finalist in the in the prestigious Hans Heysen Prize, Mortimore Prize, International Aethetica Art Prize (England) and Fleurieu Vista Art Prize 2011, the worlds richest landscape prize; and Winner of Wilsons Prize 2013; finalist in the $50,000 Ame Bale award 2014 and 2020. Finalist in the Clayton Utz small work prize 2015. Winner of the Brisbane Art Show best oil 2016. Third prize winner Flagstaff Art Show 2018. Finalist in the international Bold Brush Prize 2021 and winner in the painting section Victor Harbor Art Show 2023.
His work is held in the collections of the Art House Hotel (New South Wales), and numerous government and private collections through out London, England, southern USA, Canada and Australia. |
