Christina Allan

Bringing a spiritual dimension to her artistic practice and philosophy, Allan taps into humankind's
collective and innate curiosity surrounding things that terrify and intrigue us. Her artistic domain is
populated by a myriad of fantastical beings, encompassing angels, aliens, deities, spirits, and skeletal
figures. Her portrayal of these entities captures both their monstrosity and beauty, evoking the concept of
the sublime—a humbling experience that instills a sense of horror and smallness when confronted with
grandeur. Marrying abstraction with figuration, her painted narratives draw inspiration from human culture
while unfolding in a dreamlike realm, reflecting the capricious nature of existence, akin to a rigged game
or fleeting dream. Ambiguous creatures inhabit an unknown world or space, prompting contemplation
about their identity, existence, and underlying significance.
Allan's oeuvre offers a visionary perspective into the unknown, delving into profound questions
embedded in the human psyche. Her fascination with the psychological and philosophical struggles
intrinsic to human existence, including the challenge of comprehending the infinite, serves as a driving
force behind her creations. Influenced by her own spirituality and theories of the universe, such as the
Simulation Hypothesis and the Zoo Hypothesis, along with an interest in ufology, she weaves these
elements into her artistic narrative. Further, she draws inspiration from the mythologies of ancient
civilizations. Viewing myths as representations of a complex, enduring human experience—a universal
expression of concerns and passions—she creates painted narratives that offer an in-between space.
Much like how ancient mythological entities provided answers to the mysteries of a seemingly
meaningless world, Allan's artworks become a transformative escape from the absurdity of everyday
existence.
Executed with various techniques including airbrush and traditional painting, Allan's process begins with
the conceptualization and design of 3D renderings and models using digital software. These digital
creations serve as the foundation for her imaginative world of fantastical beings, providing a virtual space
where she explores their forms, movements, and interactions. From this digital realm, Allan transitions to
the physical canvas, translating these virtual entities into vibrant, multi-layered compositions that bridge
the gap between the digital and the tangible. Beyond the confines of the physical canvas, Allan creates
3D animations and videos that bring to her 3D modeled creatures to life in an ambiguous landscape,
reminiscent of a psychedelic journey, simulated video game or a portal into another world.
A recipient of a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from Parsons the New School for Design in
2017, Allan was honored with the institution's Dean's BFA Scholarship. Her works have been showcased
in solo and group exhibitions across international venues in London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Miami, New
York City, and Paris, gaining a place in private collections across Asia, Canada, Europe, the United
Kingdom, and the United States. Recent solo exhibitions include “COSMIC ZOO" at OMNI Gallery in
London, UK, "DEAD SEA" at Alchemy Gallery in New York City, "HOT WHEELS" at Lorin Gallery in Los
Angeles, and "PSYCHOPOMP" in Madrid. Allan is based in Toronto, Canada.