Welcome to KERNFOSTER Gallery. I’m Iris Kern-Foster, an artist fueled by a passion for creating abstract pieces and interpretations of the human figure. With a background in media design, I’ve blended technology with my artistic vision to bring you a unique collection of works that explore the depths of human emotion and form.

My journey as an artist has been one of constant evolution and discovery. Through experimentation with various mediums and techniques, I’ve honed my craft to express the ineffable intricacies of the human experience. Each stroke of my brush or digital pen is imbued with intention, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the complexities of existence.

In my abstract pieces, I strive to capture the essence of emotion and energy, inviting viewers to interpret and connect with the artwork on a personal level. Meanwhile, my interpretations of the human figure are a study in vulnerability and resilience, reflecting the beauty and imperfections inherent in all of us.

I am a formally trained artist who had the blessing of starting art school at age fourteen, when I started studying at the Higher Federal Institution for Graphic Education and Research”, now commonly known as “die Graphische”, founded in 1888 in Vienna. While my general education probably suffered greatly, I spent 6 -8 hours a day drawing, paining and learning the old school arts of creating graphic design “mechanicals”. I started working in the digital creative industries in the late nineties with the rise of the internet, that had a great fascination of unknown possibilities. While co-founding a media agency and a popculture-focused publishing house with my friends in the at the turn of the millennium I started studying audio-visual media arts (later renamed to digital art) at the University of Applied Arts, Vienna. Still in love with old school art processes, you would find me in the figure drawing studios just as much as in the computer labs. As a lifelong learner who has a passion for theory I stayed at the University  to pursue a PhD in Cultural Studies, which I eventually completed remotely when I already lived in the US. I moved to California in 2010 and married the guitar player of my favorite band. 

Opening this online gallery is a dream realized—a space where I can share my creations with a global audience and foster meaningful connections through art. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, an art enthusiast, or simply someone seeking inspiration, I invite you to explore my gallery and embark on a journey of discovery with me. (yes, that’s a Chat GPT sentence)

Thank you for visiting, and I hope you find as much joy in experiencing my art as I do in creating it. 

Welcome to kernfoster.gallery