L.B. McKay
2009 Art Exhibit Display
L.B. McKay is a victor, judging by the size of her opening evening crowd, and what the talented El Paso, Texas artist presented to those attending her amazing Art Exhibit Display.
The exhibit, titled "Revealed," made an excellent case study of the phenomenon of women’s issues. McKay’s unique works are graphic and leave thick emotional residue.
We are honored to share L.B. McKay’s Art Exhibition Display with our viewers and look forward in attending more of her exceptional shows.
L.B. McKay's Artist Statement
A majority of my paintings are directly connected to women’s issues that I question and which concern me as an artist. I am deeply interested in the human condition, especially at the philosophical, psychological and social behavior levels. More specifically, women have historically suffered various levels of oppression by patriarchal run religions, government, and the business world. At the social level, women have made tremendous gains over the past few decades; yet at all levels, sexism is a bitter reality.
In preparing my work, I also rely somewhat on my own experiences as a woman. Combined with other factors, that gives me a sense of making a stronger composition. Therefore, I hope to connect to an audience interested in bettering the human condition rather than accepting the status quo.
My artistic intent is to make meaningful paintings that have sharp contrast of light and dark, a flair for the dramatic, and expressive gestures similar to the Baroque artists. In my studies I have been deeply inspired by Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Lievens. These artist’s works depict high drama with a rich palette. My dark subject matter needs a rich palette to develop significant and emotional impact. My goal is to constantly improve my palette and achieve higher painterly quality.
I am also inspired by the versatile photographer, Joel – Peter Witkin. Witkin uses real people as models in his grotesque compositions. He demonstrates reality in a cruel, raw, and graphic manner. I too use photography with live women in my paintings with the emotional drama and characteristics of their bold struggles or unfortunate dilemma’s.
Artist Quotes
"All works, no matter what or by whom painted, are nothing but bagatelles and childish trifles... unless they are made and painted from life, and there can be nothing... better than to follow nature." - Caravaggio 9/28, 1573 - 7/18, 1610
"Practise what you know, and it will help to make clear what now you do not know." - Rembrandt 7/15, 1606 - 10/ 4, 1669
