This Pride, we’re excited to shine a light on Kris Aggerholm, a Trinidadian-born abstract artist whose vibrant, multi-layered work radiates emotion, exploration, and childlike freedom. Kris blends acrylics, pastels, crayons, markers, and texture mediums to create pieces that feel both spontaneous and deeply intentional. Through colour and movement, her art becomes a healing space where queerness, identity, and transformation take center stage.
How does your queer identity influences your art and life?
"By finding that safe place within myself, I began to feel more comfortable with sharing that vulnerability with the world. When I began to create from a place of self-love and acceptance, my work began to change. The more myself I am, the more that reflects through my art."
For Kris, queerness isn’t just a facet of identity, it’s the fuel for personal evolution and authentic creative expression. Each piece is a testament to what happens when we give ourselves permission to feel fully, to play openly, and to make messes that matter.
From Passion to Practice
Though art has always been a passion, Kris didn’t initially picture herself as a professional artist.
"I still don’t consider myself a professional artist—I consider myself someone with a passion to create and share with the world."
That passion began to crystallize in high school, when she fell in love with abstract art and discovered its power as a healing practice. As she began to express herself more authentically through her work, people started connecting with her pieces and her creative path started taking shape.
Rituals of Grounding and Growth
Kris’s creative process is steeped in mindfulness. Music is a constant companion in her studio, helping her dive deeper into emotion and inspiration. As a yoga teacher, she also incorporates practices of breath, presence, and release into her artistic rituals.
"My art tends to take me to vulnerable places, especially during times of deep transformation. So finding a safe space for that process is important. I’ve learned to release expectations so the creative process can just happen naturally."
The Bulls Eye Series: Pride and Playfulness
For our pride group ART SOCIAL “Visible: A Queer Art Social”, Kris is showcasing work from her Bulls Eye Series. A vivid, energetic collection that embraces the joy and honesty of childlike creativity.
"It was during a time in my life of discovery and transformation as a queer artist. I was diving into what that means for me—navigating self-acceptance, heartbreak, healing, and growth."
Though not intentional, rainbow colours naturally emerged in her work, bringing with them a vibrant queer energy.
"It gives my work a playful, vibrant energy that I think brings more life to queer spaces. I’d love to see my pieces hanging in queer businesses, homes, and community spaces in the future."
Looking Ahead: Growth, Visibility, and Connection
Kris envisions her art as a living part of queer community spaces, not only to bring beauty, but to spark emotion, conversation, and inspiration.
"Although my work is for everyone, I think it naturally comes more to life in queer spaces. I hope the queer community can connect to my work and feel inspired to create in their own ways."
Looking forward, Kris hopes to continue releasing larger works and embracing the unpredictability of creative play.
"I want to see life through my queer gaze and allow others to feel something when they look at my work—curiosity, connection, or even just the urge to make something of their own."
✨ Explore more from Kris Aggerholm
📸 Instagram: @krisaggerholmart
🖼️ Artist Statement: The Bulls Eye Series explores what emerges when we embrace the uninhibited creativity of a child and let it flow without restriction.