Lost Maps. II Drawing

The contemplative nature of the work reflects the process of discovery and curiosity; documenting and collecting memories. Inspired by traveling and the experience of exploring (and walking) the landscape, the artwork suggests a sense of place and presence. …. And to quote Dr sue Morgan: "If there is such a thing as the transcendental sublime, then it is clear from the work of Chrys Allen that there can also be savage layers of darkness intermeshed within it. The intricacy of her aesthetic engineering, coupled with a delicate violence of line, exquisite spatial composition and choice of palette, indicates that there is a sombre, as well as beautiful, edge to the work" The process of making the artwork employs the language of gesture and the visceral: The format goes beyond standard 'works on paper' . The meandering scrolls and extended panoramas are reminiscent of ancient maps, film reels and old photo film rolls. These recent works (scrolls) include the Walk in Progress series. Walk in Progress: Koli was awarded the Derwent Art Prize at The Mall Galleries 2013 and Walk in Progress: Bedrock was awarded the Installation Prize at the NOA exhibition at Somerset House 2014.  In addition to an active resume of international arts residencies and exhibitions I value the opportunity to be involved with ambitious Community/Public Art Projects. I work from my studios in Somerset UK and Koli, Finland.