8th floor
Chris Cran is a painter based in Calgary, Alberta, known for his playful exploration of the boundaries between representation and abstraction, as well as the intersections between photography and painting. Born in Ocean Falls, British Columbia, Cran studied at the Kootenay School of Art in Nelson in 1976 before graduating from the Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD) in 1979, where he now teaches. His signature pop style, particularly in his "Chorus" series of circular paintings, invites viewers to engage actively, drawing them in with expressive, animated figures that seem to hover and interact with their gaze.
Beyond painting, Cran was involved in the renowned One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theater in Calgary, showcasing his versatility in the arts. His work has been featured in prestigious publications like The New York Times, Canadian Art Magazine, and The Globe and Mail. His pieces are housed in notable public and private collections, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Glenbow Museum, the Nickle Arts Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.
