Events

John McKaig creates pictures that help him explore the idea of escape, sexuality and ideas of mortality and passage after life, and about how to deal with trauma and healing from that trauma. HIs use of the figure explores his identity as a queer man that is still expected to justify his experiences and basic human identity. He uses the human figure in order to communicate essential ideas of how we relate to each other, how we affect each other, and how to move to space that is empowering and encouraging. He often depicts the figure (or figurative elements or components) in situations or stances that allude to ideas of fighting back, play and wonderment, as well as stoicism and quiet resolve. John McKaig also explores the idea of “passage” and “journey”, not only to communicate ideas of healing and working through trauma, but also to communicate the idea of growing beyond limitations and definitions of being - without the suggestion of irony or cynicism.

John McKaig is a professor of drawing, figure drawing and printmaking at Bloomsburg University and Lycoming College in Pennsylvania. He received a BFA in printmaking from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and an MFA in printmaking from Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY. He has taught printmaking, painting and figure drawing at Syracuse University; drawing and illustration at Cazenovia College; and all levels of painting, drawing, printmaking and photography at the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan, before his current position at Bloomsburg University and Lycoming College. John McKaig has exhibited work in many group and solo exhibitions throughout the United States and internationally. http://johnmurraymckaig.com