kieranmcd321@gmail.com

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Ever since I could walk, I have always been creating art, whether it be with LEGO Bricks, paint or pencil. I have always found it easier to express my experiences and beliefs through artistic expression. Maybe it is because I am on the Autism Spectrum or I'm the kind of person who prefers to be by himself, but I can more readily reveal my heart and soul through art better than if I were to just tell someone. My artwork explores concepts like poetic justice, all or nothing or "black and white" thinking and trying to find the "grey" in everyday life.

I received an A.F.A. from Rochester Community and Technical College and later a B.A. in Studio Art from Winona State University. My last two years of college at Winona State University were the most important of my life in terms of my artistic growth. It was these two years that enabled me to grow not just as an artist, but also my connections to other artists in the Winona area. While there I also discovered my style, as one of my professors pointed out to me. She described it as "Abstract Realism" and I liked the sound of it. Before relocating to Winona, MN in 2019, I exhibited my work in various college shows in Winona and Rochester at places such as the Watkins' Gallery, Weber Gallery, Garage Co-work Space, and the RCTC Art Gallery.

In 2019, after graduating from Winona State, I was a recipient of a 2020 SEMAC (Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council) grant for emerging artists. I used this grant to exhibit my first solo art show at a major contemporary art institution. The show, "Scrupulosity" was held at the Rochester Art Center in Rochester, MN in 2021. The success of this show empowered me to continue and work towards bigger and greater things. Now I am currently working on a new body of work inspired by classic, but largely forgotten sci fi-horror movies.