ALBUM: An installation by Karis Richards

For her first solo exhibition, Digital Illustrator Karis Richards presents ALBUM: a series of portraits of iconic past performances by Black artists on the Roundhouse’s Main Stage, on view throughout Black History Month.

Championing Black artists and pop culture icons through all her work, Richards’ fresh perspective on these figures results in playful compositions, combining the reverence the artist has towards the subjects, as well as the positivity they create in wider spheres. In a time when existing can be bleak and stagnant, these artists provide a shining beacon of hope and inspiration to keep pushing forward.

Taking influence from the exhibition space at the Roundhouse, all of these artists have performed in the iconic Main Space, inspiring numerous audiences all over the world, and in Camden. The vintage, upcycled frames aim to give the entire installation an atmosphere of family portraits, and photo albums holding nostalgic feelings and cherished memories. These performances have become themselves key moments in the lives of those who attended and the artist herself, and by presenting these figures in this way, Richards re-lives these moments, hopefully sparking a chain reaction of inspiration, passing on through communities and generations.

Karis Richards is a Digital illustrator and Designer based in London. Passionate about themes of personal identity and positivity, she provides a fresh perspective to her designs and encourages wider representation. Mixing vivid colours and bold outlines, her work is inspired by her culture. Recent works include the cover for Girlhood Unfiltered: A Milk Honey Bees essay collection (2023, Knights of Media), a collection of Greeting Cards available with Hallmark, Valentines day launch material with Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, and promotional designs for the BBC production Small Axe (2020, dir. Steve Mcqueen, featuring John Boyega), as well as her own collection of greetings and holiday cards available through her own website www.krillustrations.co.uk.