Born in Ontario in 1960, Chris Levine realized something fundamental when he first began producing holograms in art school: the laser light used to create the hologram was far more captivating than the image it produced—it was, in fact, the work itself. It was a pure, single-wavelength light, unlike anything encountered in daily life. This sudden realization propelled him into a profound artistic quest spanning over thirty years. Thus, the foundations of a deep-rooted practice were laid—one where light is examined not merely as a technological tool, but as a spiritual phenomenon that transcends the boundaries of technology.
Levine’s multidisciplinary practice, encompassing installation, photography, performance, fashion, music, and design, creates environments that envelop the viewer on both a sensory and meditative level through lasers and sound frequencies. This seamless synthesis of technology and art aligns Levine’s work with movements aimed at diving into the depths of the metaphysical realm, moving beyond the physical.
An Icon of Serenity: Lightness of Being
Undoubtedly the artist’s most recognized work, Lightness of Being, was produced in 2004 to honor the eight-hundred-year loyalty of the Island of Jersey to Queen Elizabeth II. This piece also holds the distinction of being the first three-dimensional lenticular portrait of the Queen. By using this technique, Levine managed to capture the Queen in a rare moment of deep silence and tranquility, with her eyes closed.
The resulting image gracefully rebelled against everything expected of an official state portrait—the display of power, the representation of authority, and the necessity of being a flawless symbol. These heavy codes were replaced by introspection, spiritual awareness, and a state of deep meditation. While the inclusion of this work in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery in London proved the artist’s institutional standing, the work’s true jarring power stems not from an official salute, but from being the essence of serenity itself.
Slowing Down the Gaze
Gazelli Art House describes Levine’s profound practice as an intention to “reveal light as the most fundamental building block of the human experience” and to “establish a meditative dialogue with the present moment.” This philosophical approach transforms art from a visual object to be observed into a transformative tool that reaches different layers of consciousness. The influence of Tibetan Buddhism is clear: Levine’s ultimate goal is not to change the viewer’s perspective, but to slow down the gaze itself and anchor it within the moment.
The timing of the exhibition is also significant. Levine is simultaneously appearing at the Venice Biennale, where he is preparing to present a brand-new, ambitious, and massive site-specific laser installation during the opening week. In this context, the London exhibition serves as a powerful summary of the artist’s distinguished works spanning decades—an “atlas of light” inviting the viewer into spiritual tranquility.
- Exhibition: LIGHT — Selected Works
- Venue: Gazelli Art House, London
- Dates: Running until May 16, 2026
