Paul Cristina’s arresting works use charcoal, acrylics, and oils on paper mounted on the canvas. The Cleveland-born, self-taught artists evolved his style from the study of books, music, films, photographs, and people he’s encountered. The artist is currently based in Charleston, S.C.
“I am primarily interested in exploring ideas and images of uncertainty in places that exist underneath the exteriors of everyday life,” Cristina says, in a statement. “I want the work to deliver an experience that is unavoidably human – something to make us think, feel and ask questions. For me, the work needs to engage the viewer in a way that will open the door to a broader range of emotional and psychological sensitivity. When I work, there is always this constant pulsation and intensity that I’m working to have reflected in the final result. I keep going until it fully presents itself on the surface and gets to the point where I cannot push it any further.”
See more of his work below.
