Claire Mcgee

Review by the Edinburgh Spotlight.
“Claire McGee’s large-scale oils are immediately arresting: bold architectural compositions in dark tones with rare splashes of colour. As much intended to be read as viewed, her pieces are rich in symbolism. From the stone carvings on the detailed interiors to the otherworldly figures which inhabit the spaces, her paintings speak in a language that is not easy to interpret, but which is fascinating to explore.
Dreams of the the Republic I & II feature merry-go-round creatures suspended in time and space, whilst female figures stare from the canvas with challenging eyes. The architectural draftsmanship on display is impressive; whilst the incongruent figures and supernatural beings make nods to such varied references as Hieronymous Bosch and 1970s progressive rock LP covers.
Striking in scale and vision, McGee’s works have a dream-like quality which lingers in the mind’s eye long after viewing.”

My recent work makes reference to both 17th century Dutch still life as well as the tradition of animal portraiture. However, when one reads the work deeper symbolism can be found standing in the tradition of the ‘Memento Mori’, where an image or an object serves to remind us of mortality and the fra...

2004 – 2007 BA (hons) Painting & Printmaking, Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow

2010

“Freak Show” at Axolotl Gallery, Dundas Street, Edinburgh

2009

“Drowning in the Treacle Well” solo exhibition at the Trade Halls, Glassford Street, Glasgow

Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh

2008

“Carne Levare” solo show. Bath Street, Glasgow.

Group show, Market Gallery, Glasgow

New Faces, the Glasgow Art Club, Glasgow

2007

Terra Nova IV, Mackintosh Gallery, Glasgow

Glasgow School of Art Degree Show, Glasgow School of Art

Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh

Group show, Newbury Gallery, Glasgow