Artist: Christina Allan
Title: Supernova
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 42 x 38 inches (106.7 x 96.5 cm)
Year: 2022
Notes: Hand Signed on Verso. Exhibited at Lorin Gallery apart of the artists solo show, 'Hot Wheels'.
Born in Toronto in 1995, Christina Allan draws her creative energy from the intricate web of individual and collective anxieties that enshroud the human condition, the human psyche, self-identity, and our relationship with the world. Her distinctive body of work is distinguished by highly expressive and vivid paintings, which delve into profound facets of the human experience, including the timeless existential struggle.
From dramatic mythological narratives to introspective portraits that delve into the depths of the human psyche, Allan's art populates a realm teeming with fantastical beings set against dream-like natural landscapes. Much like the ancient mythological deities who provided answers to the mysteries of a seemingly meaningless world and universe, Allan's paintings offer an intermediary space and state—a respite from the absurdities of our daily lives. She perceives her subconscious as the guiding force behind her creative process and regards her work as an essential channel for confronting deep-seated ideas about her own existence.
In 2017, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from Parsons the New School for Design, an achievement recognized with the institution's prestigious Dean's BFA Scholarship. Her paintings have found their way into private collections across the United States, Canada, and Europe. Christina Allan currently resides and creates in her hometown of Toronto, Canada.
Her fantastical canvases draw inspiration from a rich tapestry of philosophical concepts, including existentialist philosophies, and the mythologies of ancient civilizations. Her latest series, inspired by her personal transformations during the pandemic, unveils dream-like tableaus of otherworldly escapades traversing enigmatic natural landscapes. Within these works, she presents humanistic depictions of skeletal, reaper-like figures—enduring central motifs in her artistic repertoire—intertwined with symbols of human and material culture.
Each creation pulsates with vibrant energy, blending bold and ethereal spray-painted and airbrushed forms into meticulously crafted compositions that challenge conventional societal roles and beckon viewers to embrace the pursuit of an authentic existence. The skeletal figures embarking on journeys toward newfound freedoms inspire viewers to celebrate the transformative act of departure, whether it be from a career, a relationship, or a lifestyle, all encapsulated in powerful scenes of liberation.