Artist Statement:

Similar to the emotions of seeing an exceptionally vibrant sunset or enjoying an abnormally warm winter day, I explore the allure of nature’s beauty while it is met with a sense of danger, intrigue or trepidation. Interested in the contrast of intellectual understanding compared to that of the emotional response, I explore these sometimes conflicting realities of experiencing Climate Change and environmental preservation. 

Raised in Northern California with the Leave No Trace philosophy, a strong desire and sense of responsibility to create sustainably was instilled at a young age. Repurposed and found objects are apparent throughout my paintings, sculptures and installations, particularly through the use of aluminum craft beer cans. These cans are cut open, painted on both sides and transformed into colorful botanical abstractions that appear organic and plant-like despite their consumer origins. 

The aluminum provides a lightweight, almost paper-like material that appears like ribbons or foliage and creates an allusion of dimensional brushstrokes. The cans represent objects of consumption, but of those from smaller, local businesses that use the word “craft” as a way to distinguish and elevate its product. Other materials include copper, steel, fabrics and blown glass. The glass used throughout the sculptures creates surreal bulbous bodies that transform into alien-like plant forms. 

The work can feel familiar and strange at the same time. This sensation is explored frequently, as a commentary on the unfamiliar territory that Climate Change has created and the unknown long term effects of environmental changes met with a positivity and awe of Nature’s ability to thrive and adapt.

Artist Bio:

Christina Massey is an award winning artist based in Brooklyn, NY known for her use of repurposed materials, particularly that of aluminum cans in creating her colorful botanical abstractions. Her practice spans sculpture to painting and installation, centering on issues that concern the environment and consumer waste.

Massey’s work recently showed at the MoCA-LI and featured in the Canvas Rebel, Shoutout LA and I Like Your Work publications. In 2023, Massey was awarded a Pollock Krasner Foundation Grant, a solo exhibition during the SPRINGBREAK Art Show in NYC, a studio residency with Art Cake in Brooklyn, NY and a solo installation at the Gallery for ARTFul Medicine at the Montefiore Einstein in the Bronx, NY. In 2022, she was awarded her second Brooklyn Arts Fund Grant, a residency on Governors Island, and a solo exhibition at UrbanGlass in Brooklyn, NY. Earlier awards include an FST StudioProject Fund Grant 2019, SIP Fellowship at the EFA Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop 2017, and a Puffin Foundation Grant 2017 and Soaring Gardens Artist Retreat in 2016. Massey’s work is in the collections of the Janet Turner Museum, Art Bank Collection in DC, Bank of America Collection in Miami, UBS and multiple private collections. 

Massey studied painting and theater set design at California State University Chico. She is the creator of WoArtBlog, an Instagram account highlighting the work of contemporary female identifying artists. Her curatorial projects have shown at such locations as the Court Tree Collective, C24 Gallery, Pelham Art Center, BioBAT Artspace, Space776 Gallery and the Hunterdon Museum.