Christian McMahon | Diaz de la Peña: re/Touch
“The Approaching Storm”
“The Approaching Storm” by Narcisse Virgilio Diaz de la Peña depicts a dramatic landscape under a gathering tempest, with dark, lowering clouds surrounding a patch of blue sky. A solitary woman walks along a path, dwarfed by the threatening atmosphere, as she makes her way by a copse of oak trees and sandstone rocks. The painting, created in 1872, highlights Diaz’s skill in capturing the transient effects of light and atmosphere, a technique favored by the Impressionists
Intro to Process
My design philosophy is to create a tangible impact by empowering audiences through emotional connection and accessibility. I believe that great design should evoke a response, making people feel understood and engaged. At the same time, it’s essential to ensure that design is accessible so that it reaches and resonates with as many people as possible, regardless of background or ability.
The Approaching Storm | re/Touch
For my project in the Reimagining Accessibility internship, I created a tactile interpretation of The Approaching Storm by Narcisse Diaz de la Peña. I was drawn to the painting’s dramatic atmosphere and layered forest landscape, which felt full of texture and depth. My interpretation focuses entirely on the sense of touch, using fabric and soft materials to represent different elements of the scene—like tree bark, clouds, and the forest floor. I built four overlapping static panels that gradually recede into the background, allowing users to feel the dimensionality and composition of the painting through their hands. Rather than aiming for a literal recreation, I focused on capturing the emotional tone and environment of the piece in a tactile way. This process helped me think differently about what makes a landscape impactful and how that can be communicated without relying on sight.
Meet Chris
Christian McMahon
Graphic Design
Hi, I’m Chris McMahon, a graphic design student at the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) with a passion for brand identity and experiential design earned my associate’s degree in graphic design from St. Charles Community College in 2024 (SCC). I proceeded to continue my education at KCAI, with an expected graduation date of May 2026.
My design philosophy is to create a tangible impact by empowering audiences through emotional connection and accessibility. I believe that great design should evoke a response, making people feel understood and engaged. At the same time, it’s essential to ensure that design is accessible so that it reaches and resonates with as many people as possible, regardless of background or ability.
In my personal time, I am a lover of peace and quiet. I enjoy yoga, the outdoors, spending time with my family, friends, and animals, and replenishing my energy through mindfulness. Currently, I am seeking an internship and open to creative collaborations. Feel free to contact me, I look forward to working together!
re/Touch: The Feel of Art
A partnership with the Kansas City Art Institute and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
“Chris has a remarkable strength for breaking down and approaching complex processes in ways that are deeply organized. He has a strong willingness to taking risk in pursuit of a grand vision. And he led the design of the branded content for the final show.”
Keith Kirkland
CEO, The Haptic 9 Co.