Artist statement
Layer upon layer, I destroy, fix, rework, abandon, attack it again, and then start anew. I found that this repetitive act is akin to the act of mending oneself. The process of my work is like sifting through fragmented layers of memory and identity. Discovering new parts of the self, unearthing repressed memories, and subsequent mending is an ever evolving, cyclical exercise.
My use of text are words written as a way of conversing with the self that is healing and the self that has been suppressed.
Throughout my research, I took an interest in materiality as a language for the state of the self that is communicating. I find a lot of patterns in myself, and through my work I approach my exploration of identity through many different stages: curiosity, frustration, grief, adoration, kindness, and humor.
My practice therefore becomes a holistic act of self-reckoning. It is an investigation of identity in context with other parts of the self and community, and the continuous integration of past selves and thought patterns with the present.
About
Cristina Rago is a Filipino American multidisciplinary artist and workshop facilitator born in New York in 1993. Their artistic practice spans painting and textiles to explore identity integration, healing, and reparation from a trans non-binary perspective. Their textile pieces often utilise domestic materials including discarded clothes, cheesecloth, and doilies that are reworked through processes such as dyeing, destruction and mending. Throughout their work and process, they incorporate writing in a poetic, reflective, and diaristic approach. Cristina works out of their studio in Wandsworth, London. They host creative workshops for the queer community to create a sense of belonging, encourage playful exploration, and cultivate empowerment while engaging in the healing and meditative practices of stitch.
About
1993 in New York, USA
Lives and works in London, UK
Education
UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, The City Literary Institute, London, UK, 2022
BA in Studio Art, Minor in Asian Studies, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, USA, 2015
Select Exhibitions
2026
Group exhibition, The Canteen at Republic, London, UK
2025
Queeriosities, Copeland Gallery, London, UK
2024
Group exhibition, Southwark Park Galleries, London, UK
2024
Group exhibition, Steamworks Gallery, London, UK
2022
Selects: Volume 2, Piccadilly Circus, London, UK
2022
The John Lyons Theatre, Film screening, London, UK
2022
Downstairs at the Department Store, There Yet, London, UK
2022
London Paint Club, New Members Online Exhibition, Virtual
2021
The Bricklane Gallery, Contemporary Painting, London, UK
Create Magazine, Inner Power, Virtual
MADS Milano Gallery, Love My Body, Milan, Italy, Virtual
Asian Pasifika Art Collective, New Beginnings, Virtual
London Paint Club, Fresh Perspectives, Virtual
Asian Pasifika Art Collective, APA Heritage Month, Virtual
2019
RAW Artists, Reflect, Washington, DC
2015
Salve Regina Gallery, Senior Thesis Exhibition, Washington, DC
Selected Press
The Space Between – London Paint Club. London Paint Club. (2022). Print Magazine.
The Space Between – London Paint Club. London Paint Club. (2022). https://londonpaintclub.com/2022/05/05/the-space-between/.
Selects: Vol. 2 – London Paint Club. (2022)https://londonpaintclub.com/2022/11/18/selects-vol-2/.
Best of 2021 – London Paint Club. London Paint Club. (2022). Retrieved 2 April 2022, from https://londonpaintclub.com/2021/12/21/best-of-2021/.
Yoo-Sun McLeun, Bree. “Body of Work.” Medium, May 29, 2021.
https://breemcluenwriteslefthanded.medium.com/body-of-work-629309c68d9c.
Gerr, Melissa. “Empathy Through Art: Asian American Pride.” Episode. On the Record. Baltimore, MD: WYPR, May 19, 2021. https://www.wypr.org/show/on-the-record/2021-05-19/empathy-through-art-asian-american-pride.
Lauren Cohen with Christine Jackson and Jane Marion | March 18, 2021. “How to Support the Asian-American Community in Baltimore.” Baltimore Magazine, March 22, 2021. http://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/community/how-to-support-the-asian-american-community-in-baltimore.
Catholic University. “Senior Art Projects on Display.” The Catholic University of America, May 6, 2015. https://communications.catholic.edu/news/2015/05/senior-art.html.
Catholic University. “2015 Senior Thesis Exhibition.” The Catholic University of America, April 23, 2015. https://arts.catholic.edu/performances-and-events/archive/art/2014-2015/senior-thesis-exhibit-15/index.html.