Artist Craig Alan
Atlanta-based artist, Craig Alan blends surrealism with pop art, painting recognizable subjects from popular culture, but with a twist. These subjects are made up of, and sometimes accompanied by, dozens—sometimes hundreds—of very tiny but meticulously detailed human figures.
Who is Craig Alan?
Born in 1971 in San Bernardino, California, and raised in the Atlanta area, Craig Alan is an artist whose creative journey began with crayons on his parents' walls.
From nondescript urban landscapes to technology and pop-culture, Craig Alan's paintings delve into the interconnection between society and our everyday experiences. Alan's artworks create layers of messages, prompting viewers to uncover its meanings.
While accepting a soccer scholarship at the University of Mobile, AL, Craig Alan's artistic career began during an introductory pottery class. His works in this class earned Craig an award for academic excellence, and one of his pieces was featured in the prestigious exhibition "Art with a Southern Drawl."
Alan's works reflect a combination of textbook knowledge and aesthetic sense. His approach has transitioned from a "slow and studied" application to a more instinctive and "fast and free" style. Alan's collections range from abstract expressionism to graphic realism.
Craig Alan is acclaimed for his Populus series, inspired by a balcony overlooking Orange Beach, Alabama. The series originated from observing patrons at a wedding party forming the shape of an eye where they stood. In order to create his subjects Craig Alan paints hundreds of meticulously detailed miniature figures. The result are witty statements that picture famous figures, concepts, and popular entertainment.
