Start learning from Kristen Palana today
Kristen Palana
Artist | Nomad Professor | UN Consultant
39
Classes
8,218
Students
My goal is to empower unapologetic idealists through art, design, and education.
I'm an American/Portuguese interdisciplinary artist recently returned to Rome, Italy after eight years in Asia and Africa. After decades of experience as a digital artist, in 2021 I reconnected with my fine art roots. My mixed media drawings are inspired by the ambitious mission statements of the world's top organizations and serve as a call to action to visualize better outcomes for our lives, communities, and the planet. My time living in Myanmar and Malawi from 2016 to 2024 also informs my art, as I highlight diverse symbols and patterns with crosscultural significance and explore themes of unity and oneness. My earlier animations have screened at over 75 international film festivals, earning numerous awards for "Best Animated Short Film," including from the Cannes Short Film Festival, Italy International Film Festival, and Sunscreen Film Festival.
As an educator, I've taught at universities and organizations on four continents. I co-founded the Digital Media track of the Communication Program at The American University of Rome, where I taught full-time from 2006, earned tenure in 2009, and led the Film and Digital Media Program from 2013 to 2016. From 2016 to 2019, I expanded my teaching to academic institutions and NGOs in Myanmar, including the groundbreaking American University of Myanmar. Currently, I offer in-person, hybrid, and online courses for individuals, international organizations, and universities.
In addition to my fine art practice, I've worked as a designer, educator, and consultant for agencies such as the WHO, UNICEF, British High Commission, CDC, WFP, GIZ, UNDP, UNFPA, and Australian High Commission. I craft training programs for diverse audiences and have reached 90K online students from 191 countries since 2014. 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.
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