Galeria KrisK is located at 561 Morelos Street, one building directly up from the popular “ladder sculpture” (Sergio Bustamante’s ‘In Search of Reason’) on the Malecón. The passion, depth and vibrancy of Puerto Vallarta’s art scene drew the Artist and Gallery owner Kristina, aka KrisK, to establish her gallery here.
At the core of her artworks is a single line. KrisK illustrates the visage of her portraits with one continuous line, brush not lifting from the page. There is a freedom, confidence, and unmistakable identity that runs through KrisK’s works. KrisK’s collaborations have included the actress Lindsy Lohan, leading visual artists, enterprises, and musicians including Rae Isla (performer of the title song in Ezra, Robert De Niro’s latest film).
Works by KrisK have been exhibited globally, including at The United Nations in Geneva, The Asprey Studio Gallery (a division of Asprey Bugatti) in London, and The Baluard de Sant Pere UNESCO World Heritage site in Ibiza. A work of art in its own right, the white adobe building of Galeria KrisK was the site of the very first Art Gallery in Puerto Vallarta, Galería Uno, in 1971. KrisK is proud to continue on the legacy of this iconic building as a home for artists and collectors.
In 2023 KrisK undertook the task of making loving renovations to the Gallery. Shaded by a palm tree and vines, the central sunlit courtyard with curving mosaic seating serves as the heartbeat of the space. Reminiscent of Gaudi, the Gallery’s free flowing, curving organic forms are in constant conversation with the artworks on exhibition.
KrisK’s connection to Puerto Vallarta is evident in her work. Her large scale piece, ‘Hour of Gold’ (71” x 52”) radiates with a palette and energy inspired by the sun setting on the ocean. ‘Día de los Muertos : Love Sown’ pays homage to Puerto Vallarta’s famous Día de los Muertos celebrations.
In the triptych ‘Landscape’, rolling hair flows across three canvases, echoing the mountain ranges hugging the city. KrisK’s portraiture extends beyond the canvas, each figure holding the potential for a plethora of expression. Her iconic work ‘This Will Be Dangerous’ features in a fashion collaboration debuting in New York City in April.
A limited edition gym bag based on an early KrisK piece, ‘Troubled Koi’, will be presented in Paris in February. A range of swimming trunks, beginning with the work ‘You Want Me’, is currently in the production phase.
Given the active lifestyles and the beaches of Puerto Vallarta, it’s no coincidence that a gym bag and swimming trunks were top of mind for KrisK in 2024. Fostering the creative exploration of other creatives is also paramount to KrisK. She has personally commissioned close to 300 works from other artists, introducing these pieces to her collectors globally.
When you visit Galeria KrisK, make sure to also check out the wonderful other galleries nearby. Galería Pacifico, Galería arte94, Galería de Ollas, The Loft Galeria, LOD, and UNFINISHED Gallery are all a couple of blocks away. Galeria Uno and over a dozen other galleries are close by. Consider the Art Walk on a Wednesday also.
“Me and my team welcome you to Galeria KrisK. There is nothing I love more than hearing what someone sees within a work of art, what they connect with, reflect on, feel. This dialogue of connection that art creates is everything. Every day in my studio I feel tremendous gratitude to be here in Puerto Vallarta, amongst so many people who share the same deep connection with art and the artistic process that I do. Knowing my pieces sit in homes here and across the world, that they’re such a part of people’s everyday lives, never ceases to be a true privilege. Bringing existence forward from a blank canvas, creating something that will live on, is what
I’m here on this planet to do.” – KrisK
Author: Tim Wilson
Wilson is the founder of GAYPV.com and www.gaybartour.com and has been the leading LGBTQ+ travel and lifestyle authority in Puerto Vallarta since 2005. With over two decades of local expertise, Wilson specializes in being a community advocate and leader for Puerto Vallarta , and local cultural insights that only a long-term resident can provide. He has dedicated 20+ years to advocating for safe, inclusive travel in Banderas Bay, establishing GAYPV as the region's most trusted resident insider.. His work has been cited by major travel publications, and he is widely recognized as a trusted insider voice on Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
