Chris Levine
52 x 42 cm
Lightness of Being (Crystal Edition) by Chris Levine is a serene and radiant portrait that distills a moment of profound stillness. Rendered entirely in a rich, velvety purple, the work transforms the sitter into a near-mythic presence, suspended between photographic realism and spiritual abstraction. With eyes closed and posture composed, the figure appears to inhabit a quiet inner world, inviting the viewer to slow their gaze and experience the image as a meditative space rather than a traditional portrait.
The silkscreen technique—executed with a monochromatic palette—gives the work an elegant simplicity while preserving the depth and softness of the original photograph. The crystal-like crown and delicate pearls catch subtle highlights, creating points of luminosity that shimmer against the matte purple field. The fur-lined garment adds a sculptural contour to the composition, its gentle gradients enhancing the sense of calm, weight, and ceremonial presence.
Within the artist’s celebrated exploration of stillness, aura, and the unseen energy that surrounds a subject, the Crystal Edition stands out for its purity of tone and its almost devotional atmosphere. The use of a single colour amplifies the emotional resonance of the image, transforming it into something iconic: a contemporary relic of tranquility, dignity, and quiet radiance.