The Devil’s Hour (Second instalment in The Magic Hour exhibition series), solo fantasy art exhibition, Maggie’s Art Space, Collingwood, Vic, 2020

The Devil’s Hour is the second installment in The Magic Hour exhibition series.

Artist Statement:

“I sometimes feel that I’m impersonating the dark unconscious of the whole human race. I know this sounds sick, but I love it.” -Vincent Price

The Devil’s Hour is the second installment in Cristina’s The Magic Hour exhibition series, following her 2019 exhibition, The Witching Hour. Rooted in the concept of “The Devil’s Hour”—a term in Christianity often associated with malevolent forces at 3 a.m.—this exhibition delves into Cristina’s fascination with dark fantasy art. Inspired by the tales and poems of Edgar Allan Poe, as well as the portrayal of villains, sinister settings, and themes in fantasy literature, The Devil’s Hour explores how fantasy art communicates complex ideas and emotions beyond mere entertainment.

As a visual artist and aspiring arts manager, Cristina feels compelled to advocate for the significance of fantasy art, challenging the common dismissal of the genre by some curators and audiences, whether due to religious objections or a narrow view of its artistic value. Based on her experience and research, she has observed that fantasy art is often overlooked in curatorial practices, treated solely as entertainment rather than a powerful means of expression. Through her work, Cristina aspires to encourage curators to reconsider fantasy art’s potential to convey profound thoughts and feelings, especially for artists who use visual media rather than words to express themselves.

For those who may reject fantasy art on religious grounds, Cristina respectfully suggests that fantasy art need not contradict any belief system. Rather than promoting occultism, it can serve as a communicative tool, inviting viewers to explore new perspectives. As someone who identifies as Wiccan, she has observed frequent misunderstandings linking dark fantasy art with her spiritual beliefs and hopes this exhibition will encourage audiences to approach dark fantasy with an open mind. Through this experience, The Devil’s Hour seeks to spark a dialogue about whether elements traditionally associated with The Devil’s Hour warrant rejection due to religious beliefs or stem from misconceptions and misinformation.