About: Kristen Palana

Kristen Palana

University Students Taught Since 2000

Online Students Taught Since 2014

Dollars Raised Online For Good Causes

Life Purpose

In a Nutshell

My goal is to empower ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

I’m an American/Portuguese multidisciplinary artist based in Malawi. After decades as a digital artist, in 2021 I reconnected with my fine art roots. Inspired by the lofty mission statements used by the world’s top organizations, my mixed media drawings are a call to action to visualize better outcomes for our lives, communities, and the planet. My earlier animations have screened at over 75 international film festivals, earning numerous “Best Animated Short Film” awards, including at the Cannes Short Film Festival, Italy International Film Festival, and Sunscreen Film Festival.

As an educator, I’ve taught at universities on four continents. I co-founded the Film and Digital Media BFA at The American University of Rome, where I was tenured and led the Film and Digital Media Program between 2013-2016. From 2016 to 2019, I expanded my teaching to academic institutions and NGOs in Myanmar, including at the groundbreaking American University of Myanmar. Founded in 2014, this institution posed such a challenge to the individuals now leading the current military government that it was unfortunately forced to close in 2018.

When not making fine art, I work as a designer and educator for United Nations agencies and international bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), The British High Commission, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Food Programme (WFP), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), The Public Relations Society of Malawi, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and The Australian High Commission. I craft training programs catering to diverse audiences, and since 2014, I have also reached over 80,000 online students from 191 countries. My learners range from refugees and diplomats to individuals without formal education living on less than $2 USD a day, reflecting my commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.

What can I help you with today?

 

Education

  • M.F.A., Graduation With Distinction. Computer Graphics and Interactive Media, Pratt Institute (Brooklyn, NY)
  • B.F.A., Graduation With Distinction. Painting, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, (Boston, MA)
  • Diploma in Social Innovation. UPEACE Centre for Executive Education

In the News

See recent articles from print and the web

Featured Artist: Kristen Palana United Women's Art Movement publication 2023

More

View CV  (for UN organizations and NGOs)

View Artist Resume (awards and exhibitions)

Artist Statement