Kristjana S Williams

Kristjana S Williams is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans hand and laser-cut collage, illustration, animation and digital design. Her artworks draw inspiration from Victorian engravings and the natural world, and involve the physical and digital layering of exotic botanicals and vibrant animals to build fantastical, dream-like worlds.

Described by the New York Times as part of the ‘new antiquarian movement’, Kristjana’s three-dimensional original work, Limited Edition prints and interior pieces feature Victorian engravings which the artist has blended with verdant and exotic flora and fauna to stunning effect. Animals and insects are intertwined with lavish foliage, layered over ancient shipping maps and antique photographs. Fantastical new creatures are born, creating what Kristjana calls ‘wishful forests’. These alluringly immersive two and three dimensional tableaus have won Kristjana many international awards including the Pentawards, D&D in Book, a Clio Award and first prize in the New York Festivals Grand Prix. Her collaborations include heritage brands such as Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, Browns Hotel and Penhaligon's as well as iconic contemporary marques such as Paul Smith, Victoria & Albert Museum and London’s Shard.

Williams has used digital tools throughout her life and career, beginning with building her own logic circuit boards for a pirate radio station, to developing digital techniques and digitally layered collages, designs and illustrations. She honed these skills during her work in fashion at her London-based shop 'Beyond the Valley' and later at her eponymous studio in Chiswick, which she opened in 2012. She has transformed her artwork into immersive, interactive experiences in projects such as 'Interactive Print Journey' for the V&A's British Galleries in 2011, 'Audio Scape Print Journey', a collaboration with Sennheiser in 2013, and 'A Curious Game of Croquet' in 2021 with the V&A and VIVE Arts. Williams' practice is an ongoing creative journey, and one in which she is not afraid to experiment, constantly evolving to work with new formats. 

Kristjana lives and works in West London.