Cris in a Nutshell

Hey there! Thanks for stopping by!

My journey as an artist began with a need to find colour in a world that felt a bit grey. Growing up in the vibrant energy of Mexico, colour was a part of my soul. But after moving to Aotearoa New Zealand, I had to rediscover it. Painting became my personal antidote; a way to beat the blues and intentionally bring that unapologetic joy back into my life.

That's why I created Cris Banana.

This art is for you. It's for turning a house into a home you love, for transforming a blank wall into a conversation piece that reflects your personality, and for giving you a little burst of happiness on a busy day.

When I’m not creating, and covered in Mexican Pink paint (my favourite colour!), you can find me hiking in the mountains, out with my friends, sketching in the streets or planning my next trip. All these things make each one of my pieces very special.

So, have a look around. Find a piece that speaks to you. I can't wait to help you make your world a more colourful place.


Cris Pliego illustrator

Five Facts About Me:

  1. Wanderlust: I’ve visited 25 countries, and each one has inspired at least one piece of my art.

  2. Colour Love: My absolute favourite colour is Mexican Pink (yup, it’s a real shade of pink!) - you’ll see it pop up a lot in my works!

  3. Daily Ritual: My day doesn't truly start until I've had my grounding morning ritual: journaling, a walk, and a 10-minute meditation ♥

  4. Music for the Soul: The studio is always filled with music while I paint. Lately, it's been a mix of classical, jazz, and a serious obsession with Carmina Burana.

  5. Nature Enthusiast: When I'm not painting, I love heading to the mountains near Christchurch for a good hike.

My colouful corner…

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