Christopher Hartmann

Christopher Hartmann (b. 1993, Bamberg, Germany) is a German–Costa Rican artist living and working in London. He holds a MA in Communication Design from Central Saint Martins and a MFA in Fine Art at Goldsmiths University London.

In his detailed oil paintings, Hartmann creates near-photorealistic scenes, in which time and space appear suspended, exploring complex relationships shaped by alienation, intimacy, loss, and emotional attachment and detachment. Through luminous layers of oil paint that echo the visual language of photo-editing software, he evokes the glow of digital screens, infusing his subjects with artificial tones. In doing so, he reflects on a technology-driven, oversaturated age in which realism feels increasingly simulated. Often depicting young figures in moments of repose or presumed dialogue, his subjects embody a longing for authentic connection while simultaneously appearing distanced from one another and their surroundings. Drawing inspiration from themes related to romance, his work often explores the tensions between closeness and distance, touching on boundaries, isolation, and co-dependence.

Hartmann exhibited his work in solo exhibitions at GNYP Gallery in Antwerp and Berlin; BLUM & Poe in Los Angeles; König Galery in Berlin; Nassima Landau Foundation in Tel Aviv; Hannah Barry Gallery in London amongst others. His work has also been included in group exhibitions at Gallery Vacancy in Shanghai; Perrotin in Paris; Neuer Aachener Kunstverein in Aachen; Newchild Gallery in Antwerp; White Cube in London amongst others. He was a nominee for the HixAward (2019) and is a grantee from the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation (2020). His work is included in the permanent collections of the Long Museum (Shanghai); K11 Art Foundation (Hong Kong); Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza (Madrid) among others.