A Timeless Glow - Chris Levine
A celebrated light portrait by artist Chris Levine, Lightness of Being captures Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in an unguarded moment of serene contemplation.
This unique rendition—conceived specially for the 30th anniversary edition of the amfAR Gala Cannes—features hand-drawn embellishments and Swarovski crystals, mounted on aluminum. Levine styled the Queen himself during two historic sittings at Buckingham Palace, selecting her clothing, jewelry, and the ceremonial diamond diadem crown.
Created using pioneering light-based photographic techniques, the work transcends traditional portraiture, dissolving the boundaries between image and perception. Bathed in an ethereal glow, the Queen’s closed eyes invite a shared moment of stillness, offering viewers an intimate encounter with presence, grace, and the timeless essence of being.
With light as its message, this sensational portrait presents an utterly fresh depiction of the most famous woman in the world. Chris Levine is a pioneering light artist internationally recognized for his innovative use of lasers, LED, and holographic techniques. Working at the intersection of art, technology, and perception, his practice explores the transformative power of
light and stillness.
Levine gained global acclaim for his iconic portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, including Lightness of Being, which redefined contemporary portraiture. His works are held in major collections worldwide and have been exhibited at institutions such as the National Portrait Gallery, the Eden Project, and the Serpentine Gallery.
