Alyson Khan

acrylic on canvas
72 x 60 inches
SOLD

This painting celebrates riotous maximalism--and the joy of merging. Many petal-shaped, translucent layers overlap and make a sort of complex gown. It is inspired by ceremonial costumes, haute couture and carnivalesque garb. Two “figures” rise up out of the separate shell-like/plant-like/box-like shapes at the bottom and eventually merge in the middle. The gold stacked pyramids on both sides of the picture could be chimes or bells that would certainly ring with movement of the figures, as well as signal the mind to the present moment.

acrylic on canvas
48 x 60 inches
SOLD

This painting invokes a playful Bauhaus-esque costume with layers of leaf-like sections, stripes, and gossamer petals. The complex palette includes: viridian, burgundy, red-orange, gold, forest green, mauve, periwinkle, rusted yellow, deep purple, pinks, and earth tones. The precarious balance on the small stand allows for the piece to spin and thus the title, "The Whirler."

This piece is also a nod to the dance of the Whirling Dervishes. The Sufi practice of whirling in active meditation seeks to free oneself from the grips of the ego by listening to music, focusing on God, and spinning. The motion also symbolizes the movement of the planets in the solar system orbiting the Sun. The Mevlevi, a Sufi order founded by followers of Rumi, gave rise to an Egyptian form of the dance, tanoura, characterized by the use of a multicolored skirt.

acrylic on canvas
40 x 30 inches
SOLD

Many colored rays, petals, and wings in transparent washes and muted tones extend outward from a central line of convergence. Faux 3-D, gold stripes, pipes, and cubes hint at a flow and alchemical work. In the background, brushwork in nudes and gesso provides a ground with looser markings in contrast to the hard edges.

A gauzy cross sits at the bottom of the picture, an emblem of a nurse or minder—one who heals, bandages, protects, looks after. A perfect translucent pink circle symbolizes healing power emanating from the “firgure.” The overall form is feminine and almost dress-like. The vibe is playful, retro and optimistic.

The radiating colorful stripes shares affinity with Art Deco sunburst motifs as well as the movement's structured opulence as symbolized in the black shape with the gold linework in the lower left corner. The free-flowing curves, organic shapes, and juxtaposition of contrasting textures and colors reflect Mid-Century principles that are humanistic, minimalist and experimental.

[artwork featured on the set of the AppleTV series, Dark Matter]

acrylic on canvas
60 x 48 inches
SOLD

This dynamic gathering of colorful rays and petal-like shapes that are translucent, multi-layered, gauzy and sheer, together build an elaborate carnivalesque ensemble. The structure is a nod to the Egúngún, aYorùbá masquerade dance costume used during festivals honoring ancestors. The velvety black box is an opening to the infinite.

The arced shapes on either side of the composition also reference a side view of a head with a covering or shawl. In this painting, there are two women looking outward while they are connected in the act of prayer and in reverence to the unknown. It is a celebration of the vibrant duality of the human condition - our need for both freedom and structure; ancient roots and the fringe.

acrylic on canvas
72 x 60 x 2 inches
SOLD

LIT

This composition connects ideas across disciplines - the revelatory experience of spiritual awakening, psychological integration, and mathematical order. A geometric explosion of color and form, translucent washes and layering invoke panels of self-illumined stained glass. The glowing palette and outward emanation from a central point signify inner radiance, enlightenment, and the merging of the individual soul with the infinite.

A highly mathematical piece, it is quite controlled in the form of measurements, angles, and planning. It’s paradoxical in that the elements of control/the grid which establish a strong foundation in turn allow for expansiveness. These ideas relate to the power of discipline and structure in any creative pursuit in any field.

The intentional mirroring in this piece reflects a complex faux symmetry that keeps the piece balanced and also serves as a meditation on the infinite paths to enlightenment. We are often initiated onto a path by mirroring those who have walked before us. A deep black bar and square provide anchoring as well as openings to the unknown.

acrylic on canvas
40 x 30 inches
SOLD

A geometric abstract with feminine curves, translucent layers in earth tones, nudes, blues, greens, ochres. It's a meditation on the infinite bond between mother and child, between loves, between friends, the mysterious source of our emotional lives. Pattern and rhythmic markings mimic tribal garments.

acrylic on canvas
20 x 16 x 2 inches
SOLD

This composition came together to resemble a sort of head piece with a pink circle at the third eye / center of intuition. The title "Syzygy" [ siz-i-jee ], traditionally references an alignment of three celestial objects. In this piece, the Syzygy includes the heart, mind and the divine.

acrylic on canvas
24 x 18 x 2 inches
SOLD

This piece resembles a loose shield shape, a continuation of the theme of protection. Feminine petal-shaped curves in the upper left area soften the overall message. Covered in scratches, gouges and spots of rust, it is a record of many battles fought. Transparent viridian, dusty pink, and bright yellow rays slice through the patinated and antiqued surface ushering in clarity, light and hope.

acrylic on canvas
20 x 16 x 2 inches
SOLD

This multi-tiered composition resembles a head piece or a crown made of many translucent panels that look like scratched stained glass. Small bars of gold emphasize the symmetry and add small accents of precious metal--reminding the wearer of the value of time spent in search of inner peace. The star-cross symbol that sits atop the arrangement symbolizes a moment of awakening, a point of stillness, or the intersection of mind knowing spirit.

acrylic on canvas
48 x 36 inches
SOLD

A geometric abstract arrangement of cascading rectangles reminiscent of stained glass or an elaborate ceremonial garment. This shape shaman rests on a teeter-tottering base, a nod to play, the ongoing dance of life, and the delicate movements required to achieve equilibrium. The black and white stripes invoke a carnivalesque energy—one that can confuse and erase the mind, but at the same initiate a return to extreme simplicity. The palette that includes hot orange, coral, turquoise and pink is balanced with earth tones, wood tones, and rusts.

acrylic on canvas
20 x 16 x 2 inches
SOLD

This painting features a boomerang shape, a magic prism, refracted wavelengths, perfect circles, translucent rays in all the colors plus earth tones, black and white. It’s about when you reach the fringe of your familiar, confront the abyss, and let a little slice of your self peer over into the unknown. This is where you will find the Invisible Bridge.

acrylic on canvas
24 x 18 inches

A geometric abstract composition with translucent green, turquoise and white wing/sail shapes—things that can be breathed. Red-orange adds intensity and vitality; antiqued gold, a sense of royalty. The loose brushwork and rough, raw texture makes the piece feel worn and weathered.

acrylic on canvas
24 x 18 inches
SOLD

The theme in this piece is about the trajectory of a clear formed desire into reality. The red circle represents the formed idea in the mind's eye; the gold circle is the realized manifestation. Two black and gold pyramids sit at the edge of the canvas signifying the magic at play.

acrylic on canvas
36 x 48 inches
SOLD

A geometric abstract composition resembling a totem with translucent areas, many colors including yellow, antique gold, reds, greens, blues, purples...The background is a warm, deep, earthy brown. "Liminal" is used in the title to describe the processes of becoming--not set yet, in between states, groundless in a good way. The piece can also be oriented vertically.