Mike McGuire
Mike McGuire’s art challenges the American experience through comical pop paintings of home life to animated disasters of war. These works take a critical eye to the conflicting history and story of the United States. Influence spawns from the subversive conceptual and street art movements of the late 20th century – early ought’s and the early Pop artist John Wesley. The cultural trauma of Post 9-11 issues of war, terrorism, and extreme partisanship’s impact on American life are constant sources in his practice contrasted with playful imagery and symbols of youthful americana.
PP: Where are you currently living/ working and what are you working on?
MM: I am currently living and working in Brooklyn NY. My recent works are paintings of satirical school bulletin boards. The bulletin boards range from antiracist messages to absurd abstract design. For many years I've separated my artist practice from my day job of teaching. During the pandemic these two worlds came together in a way and at a time that made sense. This series still feels new and I am curious to see where it goes.
Pre$idents Day , 40” x 36”, Acrylic foam paper and plastic on canvas, 2022
PP: Who or what has had the biggest impact on your creative practice?
MM: Many artists have inspired me over the years like Manet, Guston, John Wesley, and Kara Walker. Something else that has always had an influence is constantly observing my surrounding environment. I think over time I have learned to "see" in more sensitive ways through long hours at work, solitary walks through Brooklyn streets, and the barrage of things my kids put in front of me. These visual experiences from everyday life seep into my practice in small and unexpected ways.
Regional Book Ban Month, Acrylic paper, plastic, foam, felt on board , 12” x 12”, 2022
PP: What role do you think artists have in society?
MM: Arts play all of the roles in society. I think some artists contribute to many of the amazing things happening in the world and other artists are supporting the evils that exist. Artists are everywhere, the good, the bad, and the indifferent. Artists are a bunch of weirdos who view the world uniquely and provide 'other' viewpoints to think about. Artists practice a unique ritual and when those rituals intertwine with the larger society interesting things can happen.
PP: How do you balance your art practice with other responsibilities?
MM: I don't feel like I am doing the greatest job balancing my art practice with other responsibilities.Though, if I had to be honest the ideal balance would be majority of the time in the studio and everything else squeezed in which is realistically unproductive and not healthy. My wife has always supported my dedication to keeping an art practice and currently I'm at a point where my kids are often coming to the studio with me which is fun but also less productive for me compared to when I can be there in solitude. Tinkering in my sketchbook and reading keeps me fresh for when I can be in serious work mode. I'm usually fully primed to work so when I get into the studio a switch turns on and I am immediately immersed in the work.
Theresa Playing, Acrylic on canvas 24" x 30", 2021
