From fanged cats and all-seeing ravens to anthropomorphized botanicals and disembodied faces, Michael McGrath’s uncanny works nod to the symbol-rich, flat compositions of folks artwork or “naïve” portray. His mixed-media works mix supplies like graphite, oil paint and oil stick, ink, and acrylic on a wide range of surfaces, together with wooden, canvas, and burlap.
Impressed by the expansive scenes of up to date artists Peter Doig and Mamma Andersson, and self-taught artists Henry Darger (1892-1973) and William Hawkins (1895-1990), McGrath harnessed a story method in his personal observe. “I decided to experiment with figures and storytelling in my painting,” he tells Colossal. He additionally counts Jim Henson amongst his influences.
Populated with an array of characters, from timber with alarmed expressions to tiny, fairy-like black critters with bulbous wings and lengthy legs, McGrath delves into mysterious, emotional tales with plots as enigmatic as they’re supernatural.
The artist’s curiosity in portray developed from an early fascination with design, particularly album covers and promoting in magazines like Spin and Thrasher. “I never had the patience to develop classical skills, so I focused on dimensional and collage work for a while, until I eventually decided to invest more time in painting,” he says.
McGrath’s work can be a part of an internet group present with MePaintsMe, Slight of Hand, which opens on November 12. In February, he can even have items on view in a gaggle present at Court docket Tree Collective in Brooklyn. Discover extra on his web site and Instagram.
