John MacConnell: Piece by Piece - Opening Reception

Piece by Piece

Opening Reception: 6pm to 8pm Tuesday

In a world where social media encourages us to curate and share fragmented versions of ourselves, I am drawn to the parallels between this modern phenomenon and the fragmented remnants of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures. My work explores the complexities of identity and representation in the digital age, questioning how our online personas may not fully encapsulate who we are. Inspired by the fragmented sculptures of antiquity, I aim to evoke a sense of incompleteness and ambiguity in my paintings, prompting viewers to reconsider the narratives constructed around individuals in the digital realm and uncover what lies beyond the curated images and posts.

As a member of the queer community, I am particularly attuned to the importance of preserving and uncovering queer history. Throughout the ages, LGBTQIA+ individuals have faced erasure and censorship due to societal biases. My work serves as a testament to the resilience of queer identities, challenging the historical narratives that have been shaped by prejudice and discrimination.

A crucial part of my artistic process involves regularly sketching friends. This practice isn't solely about refining my craft; it's a meaningful opportunity to connect with those around me, forging new bonds and deepening existing friendships. My subjects come from various spheres of my life—some are close friends or acquaintances, others I've encountered through online communities, and occasionally, I'm fortunate enough to capture fellow artists and mentors. With these portraits, I aim not only to celebrate the beauty of the human form but also to preserve a snapshot of the individuals who enrich my life and contribute to our community's history.

Through my art, I invite viewers to contemplate the complexities of identity, representation, and history in the digital era. By embracing the fragmented nature of both our online personas and ancient artifacts, we can begin to unravel the multifaceted stories that make us who we are.

The exhibition runs throughout the month of June. Gallery opening hours are usually 11am to 3pm Monday through Friday, thougn sometimes subject to change. Sign up here for the Opening Reception.

Artist's Biography

John MacConnell is a New York City-based portrait and figurative artist. His work focuses on people’s interaction with contemporary life, culture, and community.John is drawn to safe spaces for queer people—physical and virtual. His current work is most inspired by social media. Online communities are often places for queer people to connect with each other when a safe physical space or distance is a problem. Recent history has shown how important these environments are and they deserve recording as much as traditional landscapes. Using these online communities, John connects with people and collaborates with them to make his work.Through his series Instant Gratification, Pinch Zoom, Rapid Development, Pictura in Pictura, and Fragments he captures different aspects of our experiences with social media—good and bad. His work references the visual vocabulary of the medium and addresses connection, adulation, idolization, and objectification.He has been interviewed about his work in numerous publications, including the T: The New York Times Style Magazine. John has his BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, his MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City, and has studied at the Willem de Kooning Academie in Rotterdam. He formerly taught at Long Island University. He has exhibited in solo and group shows in New York City, Boston, and internationally.