John McAllister (b. 1973, Sidell, Louisiana / lives and works in Florence, Massachusetts) is an American painter offering viewers portals; whether they are glimpses that open among the fronds of a dreamlike, almost hallucinatory nature, or still lifes that reveal the possibility of a serene, peaceful moment. When describing his still lifes, McAllister says, ‘This is how I wish my life could always be; I take off my watch and set it down on the table – no longer thinking about time – I light a cigarette, sip a drink, lose myself in the bright colors of nature, the flowers, the landscape outside and reflect on my life, but peacefully.’

A still life, by definition, can bring both the beauty and poetic transience of nature into a space. In this way, it captures our entire human existence in a single composition. The objects depicted become symbols; the bouquet of flowers will wither; the sun will set, but the next day it will rise again. Precisely because it manages to convey these universal themes, a still life, in all its simplicity, has always been an image that speaks to all human beings, transcending linguistic and cultural boundaries. And the painting, after all, can also offer a moment of tranquility in our turbulent world Letting our gaze drift across it, a window opens through which we can escape into another realm.

John McAllister's work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions at international venues, including; Kunsthalle Emden; Hagiwara Projects, Tokyo; Le Consortium, Dijon; MAMCO, Geneva; Marciano Art Foundation, Los Angeles; Brattleboro Museum of Art; White Flag Projects, St. Louis; Cue Art Foundation, New York and Rubell Family Collection, Miami. McAllister's works are held in prestigious international collections, including; HNA Group Inc. Collection, Hong Kong; Hammer Museum, Los Angeles; Collection of Martin Eisenberg, New York; UBS Art Collection, New York; The Rubell Family Collection, Miami; Collection of Joseph Mimran, Toronto; Collection of César and Mimi Reyes, San Juan; Collection of Gloria von Thurn; Taxis, Regensburg and MAK Family Collection, Munich.