Professional biography:
Christopher Rainbow is an artist, whose work spans illustration, printmaking, comics, publishing, curation and writing. Since 2016, he has worked as publisher and editor for Sputnikat, a risograph comics press, promoting emerging Russian and international comics artists, and experimental storytelling. He is currently working on two books to be published in 2020; World Cup Journal (with William Goldsmith) and Am I A Good Man Am I.
Selected clients include: Blueprint, BBC Collective, Barbican, Lex, Small Town America, Aura, Dust, Tower Hamlets Health Authority, Careless Talk Costs Lives, Less But Better
In teaching, Christopher encourages students to maintain regular experimental play through sketchbooks, emphasises the fundamental role of narrative in illustration, and believes in supporting students to find their own individual paths into the creative industries.
Research / professional practice interests:
● Comics, and new and historical approaches to visual storytelling
● Immersive first-hand research and reportage approaches to art and illustration
● Art pertaining to refugee and immigration issues and narratives
Academic qualifications:
Central Saint Martins MA Communication Design: Illustration (2002-4)
Nottingham Trent University BA Fine Art: Painting (1996-9)
Professional qualifications / accreditation:
Institute of Education PGCE in Post- Compulsory Education (2005-8)
Professional / Academic activity:
Curatorial
Monthly exhibitions and book launches at Sputnikat Shop, Moscow (2018-9)
Monthly Primordial Ink exhibitions at Match W1, London (2003-5)
Residences
London Print Studio Overseas artist residency, (July 2012)
Orleans House Gallery, Twickenham, Artist-in-residence (October 2009 - March 2010) Impacts of War project: Working with local school children to interview survivors of war and conflict, towards an exhibition and catalogue. Part of Imperial War Museum’s Their Past, Your Future project.
Writing
Features, interviews and reviews for Blueprint magazine including: Report on Soviet Buran space shuttle (2011), David Adjaye interview, Osbert Lancaster review (2010), Osamu Tezuka review (2009), Neon Neon interview, (2008), Chris Ware interview, Persepolis review (2007), David Shrigley, Comica festival review (2005), Joe Sacco feature (2004)
Publishing
Sputnikat comics publishing house (2016-20)
As publisher of Sputnikat, I have worked with Russian and international artists to develop a range of challenging and unusual anthologies and solo comics, sold in Moscow, online and comics/zine/art book festivals around Europe.
Exhibitions & Talks
Pushpin Museum (group show) Moscow (2015 & 2017)
Dachniki Schop Gallery, Edinburgh (2012)
Impacts of War Riverside Gallery, Richmond (2010)
The Cave Wall Sings Foundry, London (2009)
The Art of Lost Words (group show) German Gymnasium, London (2009)
Run to the Hills (group show) Maverik Showroom, London (2008)
Central Saint Martins MACD Show Mall Gallery, London (2004)
Gone to the Dogs (with Zara Wood) Saatchi & Saatchi, London (2002)
Christopher Rainbow & Lisa Selby Secta Studios, Nottingham (2000)
No Rabbits (group show) Hockley Gallery, Nottingham (2000)
The Last Show on Earth (group show) warehouse, London (1999)
Diamond Geezers (group show) Gallery Fresh, London (1999)
