Kirsty Mckenzie

Kirsty McKenzie (B. 1982 Toronto, Canada) is an interdisciplinary artist, and costume designer. She graduated with a BFA in Fashion from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in 2005. She prolifically creates paintings, drawings, mixed media collages, costumes, interiors, performance, sound, and video installations (such as "Cat Lady" and "Clown Frown", 2015), as well as her own universe in which she dwells. Her work is mostly figurative, and often depicts portraits of colourful characters with prominent queer and feminist themes; who defy sexual and gender stereotypes, and transcend traditional notions of beauty. Her art explores societal attitudes toward women and the oppression and objectification they endure, with strong themes of obsession, mental health, and substance abuse. Kirsty infuses these topics with humour and a child-like exuberance; with simplification and distortion of forms, and a brazen use of colour. In 2013, she faced her substance abuse and addictions that had overshadowed her life for 17 years, began her powerful, transformative journey of recovery. What began as an avid sketchbook practice, soon exploded into a full-blown art addiction. In 2014 she passionately redirected her focus from fashion & costumes...

2001-2005 Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), BFA Apparel Design

SOLO EXHIBITION
Mar 2018 The Cat Ladies, The Pie Factory, Margate, UK
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
Aug 2019 DSST #1, Turner Contemporary, Margate UK
July 2018 The Sex Show, Viking Gallery, Margate UK
April 2018 Festival of Cats, Viking Gallery, Margate UK
Nov -Jul 2018 Sweet’16, Jaguar Shoes, London, UK
Sept 2017 FemFest, Ugly Duck, London, UK
July 2017 Afternoon Tea, Chiara Williams Contemporary, Margate, UK
Dec 2016 Christmas show, Gallery 286, London UK
Apr-Sep 2016 Prescriptions, Beaney Art Museum, Canterbury, UK
Mar 2016 50 Fridas, East End Prints, London, UK
Mar 2016 Hand Maid, Hoxton Arches, London UK
Dec 2015 Sweet 'Art Takeaway for Outskirts Charity, Espacio Gallery, London, UK

Dec 2015 Not Just For Christmas, Gallery 286, London, UK

Oct 2015 Animal Farm, CUNTemporary, London, ‬UK
Sept 2015 Arternative Playground, The Rag Factory, London, UK
Aug 2015 Punch, Espacio Gallery, London UK
July 2015 Chemcraft, Espacio Gallery, London
July 2015 YFA: Young Feminist Artists, The Old Bath House, London, UK
Apr 2015 Y NOT?, Espacio Gallery, London UK
Feb 2015 POP Living, Schwartz Gallery, London
Oct 2014 Alternative Miss World, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London, UK
Feb 2012 Art Fashion...