Modernist Family Bird
Gary James McQueen's passion for storytelling is palpable. Seamlessly blending technology, imagination, horror, and romance, the London-based artist crafts a captivating, multi-dimensional world that draws viewers into his creative narrative.
Reflecting his fascination with the darker aspects of life, McQueen aims to offer fresh insights into the complexities of human existence through his first US solo exhibition, running this month at West Chelsea Contemporary in Austin, Texas. He envisions his audience transcending reality as they immerse themselves in his artwork, journeying through realms where imagination knows no bounds.
His personal creative world was shaped by watching horror movies and crafting character narratives alongside his uncle, the legendary fashion designer Alexander “Lee” McQueen. Today, those influences are reflected in his intricate digital sculptures and dreamlike floral compositions.
We spoke with McQueen to delve deeper into his creative journey and discover what lies ahead, including a groundbreaking immersive experience that blurs the lines between the physical and digital realms.
Savage Beauty
Courtesy of Gary James McQueen
Coveteur: First of all, congratulations on your first solo show in the US. How has this experience been so far? Can you walk us through the process?
Gary James McQueen: “This show has been a year in the making, and it’s been wonderful to reveal my latest series of artworks exclusively through West Chelsea Contemporary in Austin, Texas. I was eager to present my work to a broader audience, and the United States has been on my radar for quite some time. Although Europe will always be a priority for my work, it was time for me to approach a new market, and this show is the perfect fit for it.”
You’re also very well-versed in the fashion world, having been the head textile designer at Alexander McQueen. How has that experience influenced your current exhibit?
GJM: “My experience at McQueen reinforced my love of storytelling and has allowed me to incorporate in my artistic practice many of the skills I had a chance to develop during my time at the Maison. Lee's way of building stories and combining ideas from different sources really influenced me. He taught me how to create stories in a more structured way.”
You talk about your art as providing an escape from reality. How do you ideally envision people interacting with and experiencing your work?
GJM: “My work is specifically made to be seen in person. This is the only way to fully experience my practice. This show, for example, provides a multi-dimensional experience that invites visitors into a macabre yet romantic environment dominated by digitally sculpted skulls, ethereal floral still lifes, and humanoid figures. No photograph or video can capture the experiential component of this exhibition. You have to walk through it.”
Carved Ivory
Courtesy of Gary James McQueen
Modernist Family Bird
Courtesy of Gary James McQueen
With the themes of life, death, human nature, and rebirth prevalent throughout your work, where do you look for inspiration?
GJM: “Life, death, and rebirth are intrinsic in us all. Exploring what’s beyond the physical realm has long been a fascination for me. I’ve always appreciated the darkness we all have to face and experience in life, and I hope my exhibition provides unexplored perspectives on the inner layers of our existence. How the beauty meets the brutal, how the macabre juxtaposes the romantic, life and death.”
In the introduction to your show, you mention creating character stories inspired by the horror films you watched with your uncle. Are there any particular memories that stand out to you? Do any carry through to your work today?
GJM: “I still vividly remember watching the latest horror movies with my uncle, transporting myself to fantastical worlds that still inspire my practice today. These films fuelled my imagination and love for cinematography, allowing me to learn how to create new narratives between the real and the imaginary.”
Your work is so recognizable with bold and ornate visuals. How do you stay true to your own aesthetic and avoid the pressures of accommodating the typical viewer/buyer?
GJM: “I always remain authentic and true to my visions. I rarely look to others for approval and respond to my own intuitions and emotions to create timeless pieces. My work is not dictated by trends or what moves the business behind the art world.”
You mention wanting to create “a whole immersive world for people to dive into.” Can you tell us more about what this fantastical dream would look like? What do you anticipate it will take to get there?
GJM: “Technology is key to accessing these imaginary worlds. I can’t share too much now, but I’m already working on a new immersive experience that will launch this fall and will really showcase how the physical and digital worlds can coexist.”