Megan McGrath

August 25 – September 16, 2023

This exhibit by Megan McGrath embodies an evolution of her artistic style. Since 2016, she focused on stylized versions of realistic images, combined with lines, patterns, and shapes. For certain bodies of work, she adds abstract images to the composition. However, they never stood alone. These abstractions were always accompanied by representational images.

Recently she has been incorporating dots into every background of her work and realized how powerful the dots had become. Visually, she became more interested in these patterns than in the other aspects of my work and began to experiment with making dots her main focus, abandoning stylized realism. As this process continued, she decided to bring introspection as inspiration for each new abstract piece.

The first painting using this process is called, “Shortness of Breath.” She used the intensity of the colors, combined with chaotic patterns, abstract shapes, and a dynamic composition to reveal the distress she felt, upon getting the news that her cat had received a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. Continuing in this manner, she created paintings that mirrored a wide range of emotions, some of which include confusion, anger and powerlessness, as well as feelings of strength, peace, and happiness. She finds the process of making the dots to be meditative.

McGrath says, This body of work has really helped me to appreciate all of my experiences, no matter if they are good or bad because it’s our experiences that make us who we are.”

The exhibit will be in the Corner Gallery.