Michael McGrath is an artist whose works are filled with fanged cats, all-seeing ravens, anthropomorphized botanicals, and disembodied faces that draw inspiration from the symbol-rich, flat compositions of folk art or “naïve” painting. He creates mixed-media works using materials like graphite, oil paint, oil stick, ink, and acrylic on various surfaces such as wood, canvas, and burlap.
Influenced by contemporary artists like Peter Doig and Mamma Andersson, as well as self-taught artists Henry Darger and William Hawkins, McGrath incorporates a narrative approach in his practice. He explores expansive scenes with mysterious and emotional tales, featuring characters ranging from trees with alarmed expressions to tiny, fairy-like black creatures with bulbous wings and long legs.
McGrath’s interest in painting developed from a fascination with design, particularly album covers and advertising in magazines like Spin and Thrasher. Moving away from dimensional and collage work, he decided to focus more on painting, experimenting with figures and storytelling in his art.
You can find McGrath’s work in an upcoming online group show with MePaintsMe titled “Slight of Hand,” opening on November 12. Additionally, his pieces will be on view in a group show at Court Tree Collective in Brooklyn in February. To view more of his work, visit his website and Instagram page.
The artist’s paintings are a blend of folk art-inspired forms, featuring bat-like creatures, figures in white dresses with fluttering black creatures, and abstract objects with eye-like details. His pieces, such as “Threats and competition for tiny vampires,” “Monster control, future systems No. 3,” and “Hunting songs,” showcase his unique style and storytelling abilities.
By incorporating elements of fantasy, folklore, and symbolism in his art, McGrath creates a dreamlike world that invites viewers to explore and interpret the narratives within his compositions. With a nod to both contemporary and self-taught artists, his work offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of traditional and contemporary art practices.
