Cristina Massena lives and works in Porto. She graduated in Architecture, having studied in Porto and in Mendrisio with architects such as Eduardo Souto Moura and Peter Zumthor.

For over 13 years, she practised as an independent architect. She also collaborated with both small- and large-scale studios, including Architecturestudio in Paris. Despite her training in Architecture, Cristina Massena began exploring the intersections between Fine Art and Architecture.

In 2019, she completed a Master’s degree in Painting at the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Lisbon. Her research led her to question the boundaries of intermediary spaces where different artistic disciplines intersect. She works with drawing, painting and sculpture, integrating materials and techniques beyond their traditional uses. Her work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions in various galleries and museums across Portugal. She was a finalist for the Prémio Norberto Fernandes, Fundação Altice, 2024 edition.

Her work is included in several private and public collections, including FLAD – Luso-American Development Foundation, Museu Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, DST Group and the Colecção Luis Negrão.