Early Works

A glimpse into Kitson’s formative years reveals his early artistic explorations, as he rebooted the ethos of a self-driven Art Foundation. This journey offers unique insight into the evolution of his distinctive style and process-oriented approach.

 

The Art of Isolation

Located in South East London, this dynamic mixed-use art space, a large reclaimed shop, serves as a vibrant hub for creativity. It seamlessly integrates a working artist’s studio, a public art gallery, and a collaborative workspace, further enriched by engaging public art shows and weekly life drawing sessions.

Squares

Kitson began his most ambitious ongoing project in 2018. Entitled ‘Machines for Living In’, it involves meticulously recreating his South London studio apartment in oil paint, one square foot at a time. This ‘fragmented, glitchy jigsaw’ acts as a deeply personal visual diary, capturing years of moments and moods.

Portraits

Kitson also delves into human connection with his extensive portraiture series, ‘Where Are We Now’, which began in 2019. This sprawling project features hundreds of portraits of individuals from London and beyond, celebrating the authentic exchange between artist and sitter, embracing imperfections and honesty.

Blue Lotus

Between 2020 and 2021, Kitson commenced a transformative series of reimagined life drawings, infusing them with rich symbolism, mythology, and vibrant colors. This body of work ultimately paved the way for his compelling ‘Shadow Work’ project.

Shadow Work

In 2021, Kitson embarked on his ongoing ‘Shadow Work’, a series of large, imaginative, and abstract paintings exploring the subconscious. These dream-like pieces delve into themes of childhood, belonging and mythology.

 

 

Selected Exhibitions

 

Solo shows:

  • July – September 2019, ‘Machines for Living in’, The Art of Isolation, London
  • October 2021, ‘Blue Lotus’, The Art of Isolation, London
  • May 2023, ‘Art & Community’, The Art of Isolation, London
  • June – July 2023, ‘Where Are We Now’, The Art of Isolation, London

Group shows:

  • October 2017, Deptford Foundry Open Studios, London
  • May 2020, London Bridge Hotel – ‘Open 3: Urban Nature’, London
  • October 2021, The Other Art Fair, Squares Promo, The Truman Brewery, London
  • August 2022, Wells Art Contemporary, Wells Cathedral, Somerset
  • October 2022, The Sussex Contemporary, Brighton
  • November 2022, The ING Discerning Eye, The Mall Galleries, London
  • March 2023, The Other Art Fair, Live Painting, The Truman Brewery, London
  • December 2023 – January 2024, ‘On the Side’, The Sidings, Waterloo station, London
  • February – March 2024, ‘Extempore 24’, Tension, London
  • April 2024, Alice in Hackneyland, ‘Alice doesn’t live here anymore’, Hackney
  • November 2024, Alice in Hackneyland, ‘Waves & Wonders’, London Fields Lido

 

 

Site-specific Art:

 

Canada Water commissions

  • August 2025, Wallpaper for Rotherhithe, Lower Rd, Canada Water, London
  • August 2025, Kids in the forest, Lower Rd, Canada Water, London
  • August 2025, Restorative Justice for All (RJ4ALL), Headquarters, London

 

 

Charity

March 2025, Terrence Higgins Trust, Annual auction with Christie’s, London

 

Early Works