Karen Mc Lean

Born in Trinidad. Lived in UK 11years. Studied art and design at BCU. Graduated in 2009 BA (Hons) Art and Design

I am interested in the interconnected histories of the two countries that I have lived in and the ongoing effects of those historical connections. My interests lie in articulating these issues and the complex matters that arise with the transference of one's culture.

My interrogations have allowed me to explore areas that include displacement, identity, home, capitalism and ethics, ideologies and how they continue to perpetuate, modernism and globalisation. I explore these issues through a variety of media including wood, metal, collage, video and screen printing. Of particular interest to me is the vernacular architecture of the Caribbean and the language that these structures encapsulate. Using primarily found objects I create interesting and stimulating installations for curatorial scrutiny which begin to question its historical and contemporary relevance

2011 Digital Photography Level 2 (NCFE)
2010 Digital Photography Level 1 (NCFE)
2009 First Class BA (Hons) Visual Arts BCU, Birmingham, UK
2000 Foundation Art and Design, BCU, Birmingham, UK
1977 St. Theresa’s Intermediate School, Trinidad, W.I

Exhibitions

2011 Folkestone Triennial Fringe, Folkestone, UK

Selected Group Exhibitions

2011 United Colours of Birmingham Exhibition, Zellig, Birmingham, UK
2010 Surface Exhibition, Works Gallery, Birmingham, UK
2009 NB Exhibition, Custard Factory, Birmingham, UK
2006 Imagination, International Project Space, Bournville,
Birmingham, UK

Opens

2010 Cork Street Open, Mayfair, London, UK
2010 North Worcester Open, Artrix, Bromsgrove, West Midlands,
Birmingham,UK, First Prize