ALYSON KHAN
PAINTER
B. 1975 USA
Alyson's work is inspired by the decadence of Art Deco; the hope and efficiency of Mid-Century aesthetics; the joining of texture, light and comfort in interior design; the riotous maximalism in haute couture; the rawness of tribal mark making; and the implied doorway to the unseen in esoteric symbology.
My work is about the suspension of reason or rationality as one might experience in ceremony, dance, or theatrics—an agreement to open one’s Self to transcendence, the realization of fantasy, the acceptance of the tragic, absurd or paradoxical. Often aided by costume, mask, or symbols, these acts occur on stage enabling us to become observers. Gaining this perspective can train us to detach from our cherished stories, and perhaps appreciate the many facets of even our most painful experiences. From this expanded state, we edge closer to a shared soulspeak, and in doing so we are changed, healed, and maybe more capable of compassion.
My paintings include hints of two-dimensional icons, stained glass windows, ceremonial objects, carnivalesque paraphernalia, dressmaker pattern pieces, and carefully designed altars. I see my work as functional and as such it may resemble a strange alchemical device, a crude vessel, a protective figure, a fortune teller, a shamanic robe, an asymmetrical mandala…all of which shepherd the process of transformation.
I am further inspired by the decadence of Art Deco; the hope and efficiency of Mid-Century aesthetics; the joining of texture, light and comfort in interior design; the riotous maximalism in haute couture; the rawness of tribal mark making; and the implied doorway to the unseen in esoteric symbology. All of these influences are cradled in deep investigations into color, particularly its role as a visual phenomenon and catalyst for sparking feeling and narrative.
AVAILABLE WORK
ALYSON KHAN CV
2021
Hamptons Fine Art Fair w/ Moberg Gallery (Southhampton, NY)
Space Gallery - Solo Exhibition “Bringer of the Tisane” (Denver, CO) - 360 Degree Tour
Moberg Gallery Contemporary Women Paint: Abstract Expressions (Des Moines, IA)
2019
Salon Art + Design Fair at the Park Ave Armory with Cristina Grajales Gallery (NYC)
”Encounters” @ Cristina Grajales Gallery (NYC) curated by Stephanie Ingrassia
(Exhibition Press: Architectural Digest || Pinup Magazine)
Space Gallery - Beyond the Framework - Denver, CO (360 degree tour)
2018
The Art Project, Denver, CO
2017
Denver Designer Showhouse, Denver, CO
Amsterdam Kimpton - "Corridors" project
2016
Artwork Network - "Entice" Group Show, Denver, CO
2013
Denver Designer Show House, Denver, CO
2012
Space Gallery - 11 Year Retrospective Group Show, Denver, CO
2000-2011
New Denver Civic Theater Gallery - Light & Milky*, Denver, CO
CORE - The Abstract Show (Juried Show), Denver, CO
Space Gallery - Aiming for the Seam, Denver, CO
Revoluciones Collective Art Space - Head Rest, Denver, CO
Rattlebrain Theater Gallery - Acts of Devotion*, Denver, CO
Chance Operations Gallery - (Group Show), Denver, CO
Space Gallery - Strung up after the Circus, Denver, CO
23rd Avenue Sculpture Gallery - Group Show, Denver, CO
Arts on Vine - New Visions Through Old Windows*, Denver, CO
Soulsciety Collective Art Space - Group Show, Denver, CO
Revoluciones Collective Art Space - Group Show, Denver, CO