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Kristofir Dean The Light Inside Ian Tan Gallery

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: KRISTOFIR DEAN 
March 1 –  13, 2025  

Artist Spotlight on Kristofir’s recent paintings, where we unveil the inspirations, techniques, and stories behind his extraordinary works. Kristofir’s dynamic geometric paintings explore the interplay of colour, light, and perception. Through bold, hard-edged compositions, he creates mesmerizing optical illusions that shift and vibrate with the viewer’s perspective. Inspired by the luminosity of gemstones and translucent materials, his work harnesses colour’s ability to create depth and movement. A graduate of OCAD University and based in Hamilton, Dean continues to push the boundaries of visual perception, crafting immersive experiences that challenge how we see and interpret colour.

In this Q&A, he shares insights into his creative process, inspirations, and the techniques behind his dynamic compositions.

1) What inspired your paintings, and what story are you trying to tell through it?
My paintings are inspired by the way light refracts and shatters when passing through various glass and crystals. I aim to capture this ethereal luminescence in a physical form through my vibrant and colorful works. My artistic goal is to infuse your space with a burst of this colorful energy.

2) How do you decide on the colors and textures in your paintings?
I dedicate a significant amount of time to researching various gemstones, which serve as inspiration for many of my pieces. For instance, in the case of a “Refraction,” I envision light passing through a tinted clear object. From this visualization, I create a series of color swatches to test which colours harmonize best. If the combination appears balanced, I translate it into a painting.

3) Do you have a favorite piece, and why does it stand out to you?
I am particularly fond of “Refracted Raindrop” due to its vibrant colours and its ability to capture the essence of Vancouver. It evokes the mood of a cool, rainy walk in the city, while simultaneously capturing the vibrant energy of life around you.

4) What’s your creative process like—do you plan every detail, or do things evolve as you paint?
I meticulously plan the colours and the distances between each stripe before starting the painting. After the painting is complete, I often make adjustments to certain colors, altering the hue or saturation to achieve a more balanced overall image.

5) If someone is new to your work, what’s one thing you’d like them to know or feel when they see your art?
I aspire for people to feel the energy that colors radiate. Colorful artwork can infuse a burst of joy into a space, and I hope that my work can contribute to that experience.

Refracted Temperature Rising  2018
Acrylic and Resin on panel  36″ x 36″
$3,600.00

Kristofir Dean
Refracted Raindrops  2024
Acrylic and resin on panel  24″ x 24″
$2,400.00

Kristofir Dean
Refracted Awakening  2024
Acrylic and resin on panel  12″ x 12″
$800.00

The Light Inside  2019
Acrylic and Resin on panel  40″ x 35″
$4,500.00

Terrestre  2021
Acrylic and Resin on panel  36″ x 36″
$3,600.00

Inverse Spectrum Pyramid  2019
Acrylic and Resin on panel  24″ x 24″
$1,900.00

2655 Granville Street Vancouver
British Columbia, Canada
e: [email protected]
t: 604.738.1077

Gallery Hours

Monday:        Closed
Tuesday:       11AM to 5PM
Wednesday: 11AM to 5PM
Thursday:     11AM to 5PM
Friday:           11AM to 5PM
Saturday:      11AM to 5PM
Sunday:         12PM to 5PM
Also available by appointment.

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