Christian Calvin

Christian Calvin, who also works under the name 33N Art, is a Tennessee artist celebrated for his abstract paintings and mixed-media creations that explore Pop Expressionism. His distinctive approach combines traditional paint with unexpected materials like sand and glue, creating remarkably textured works. Rather than using conventional paintbrushes, Calvin applies paint with gardening tools to craft his grand-scale pieces.
Calvin came to art later in life, beginning his creative journey at age 45 after a career in retail. When his business sold, he discovered an untapped passion for painting and experimented on canvases, cardboard, cereal boxes, and whatever surfaces he could find. His signature “33N” references his football number from his days playing at the University of Tennessee. Calvin’s work first gained recognition after he donated pieces to a charity auction near Nashville, which led to his first public exhibition at Tennessee’s prestigious Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center.
Drawing inspiration from Picasso, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Keith Haring, Calvin describes his style as Neo-Expressionism. His process involves painting a white canvas black, building textured backgrounds overnight, then sketching his composition before adding outlines and colors. Music plays a vital role in his creative process, with artists like Khalid and Shawn Mendes providing a calm atmosphere. As a father of four daughters, Calvin often finds inspiration in family experiences and current events. He is represented by Park West Gallery.