As a child, Christopher Conn Askew was not as outgoing as his parents so he began to express his personality through imaginary games, creating his inner universe, which he then translated through drawing. About forty years later, this inner world is still an inspiration for his work, and even inspired the name of Christopher’s project SekretCity International, allusion to his inner “secret” city.
Christopher Conn Askew made a name for himself in tattoo art first, after discovering the fascinating misfit atmosphere of Hollywood’s tattoo parlors in the 80’s. Indeed, in sixteen years, he has become one of the most respected tattoo artists of the trade, yet frustrating his fans with a hiatus of six years. A necessary break from tattooing to feed his need for freedom of creativity. Turning his back on custom designs, he decided to focus on his own personal art.
His paintings of course keep the influence of tattoo art, with the chromatic palette of European traditional tattoo, borrowings to Japanese prints and with nods to vintage illustrations of cabarets and fables.
Using watercolor, ink graphite gouache and gold leaf, Christopher Conn Askew creates a universe out of time and full of dark humor, with fantasy animals and enticing female bodies half-temptresses half-religious icons. Theatrical, his illustrations are filled with mysterious symbols, opening the possibilities for every kind of imagination… Now, Christopher splits his time between painting, tattooing and other creative projects such as jewels, through SekretCity. A secret man whose talent has earned him an iconic reputation.
