Cristina Rago’s work explores the multifaceted layers of identity from a queer perspective while healing from post-traumatic stress disorder. Their visual imagery evokes a feeling of nostalgia between the past and present self, and the figures are shown in intimate domestic settings. Throughout their painting process, they incorporate writing in a diaristic approach with textiles, acrylics, and pastels, painting with an intuitive and energetic approach. Their work is a highly personal and emotional exploration of self that incorporates different properties of various mediums as a form of healing and expression. Using bold colour and abstract gestural mark making, Rago releases internal energetic forces to express certain personal narratives surrounding their trauma. For Rago, the act of painting is a personal therapeutic awakening of emotions during the creative process.