Kristen McClarty
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Overview
Kristen McClarty is a dedicated printmaker based in Kommetjie, just outside Cape Town, South Africa. Renowned for her distinctive approach to relief and monotype printmaking, McClarty’s work is deeply rooted in a profound connection with materials, a core element that shapes her artistic narrative.
At the heart of McClarty's practice lies a desire to capture the essence of wood in her prints. Drawing inspiration from the belief that lived experiences leave lasting traces on the environment, her recent series of woodblocks explores the concept of residual energy—the imprints left behind on surfaces like rock, water droplets, and even the particles suspended in the air and liquid. Through her work, McClarty captures the narrative embedded within the natural world, seeking to represent the unseen forces that shape our surroundings.
Her connection to the environment goes beyond woodblock printing, as McClarty also draws influence from the fluidity of sea swimming. The rhythmic motions of swimmers, the interplay of light on water, and the tactile sensations of immersion are key to her exploration of texture, movement, and the passage of time within her art.
Recently, McClarty was honoured with election as an Associate Member (ARE) of the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers (RE Printmakers, UK) — a significant milestone recognising her exceptional woodcut printmaking on an international stage.
Her election followed a rigorous selection process, culminating in the presentation of her portfolio to the RE Council at Bankside Gallery, London in February. As part of this honour, McClarty’s woodcut “Suspended Thoughts” (2022) was selected for the historic RE Diploma Collection, housed at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford — marking her first work to enter a UK public collection.
This achievement is a testament to McClarty’s technical skill, artistic excellence, and growing presence within the global printmaking community. We are incredibly proud to represent Kristen’s work here at CIRCLE and look forward to seeing where this exciting new chapter takes her.
STUDIO: KOMMETJIE, SOUTH AFRICA
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Head Under Water
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Kristen McClartyI can still breathe under water, 2025Woodcut state print on Japanese Echizen Hanga 46 gsmEdition 4 of 1097cm x 66cm
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Kristen McClartyI can breathe under water11 layer reduction woodblock printEdition of 8100 x 70 cm
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Kristen McClartyIn pursuit of essence8 layer reduction woodblock print on light weight hand made Japanese paperEdition of 647 x 60 cm
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The Residuals
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Kristen McClartyLeaving trace in deep water, 2024Original woodblock print on Asarakusi hemp lace 27 gsm
Edition of 4
This artwork is available unframed, price £2900.112 x 180 cm
Framed with anti-reflective glass, floating, Ash wood -
Kristen McClartyTrace of a red tide, 2024Original woodblock print on Asarakusi hemp lace 27 gsm
Edition of 4
This artwork is available unframed, price £2900.112 x 180 cm
Framed with anti-reflective glass, floating, Ash wood -
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A Sense of Place
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A Hard Place
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