Ally McGinn

Through Presence and Process

  • Home
  • Portfolio
  • About
    • Artists Statement
    • Contact
    • CV
  • Current Works
  • Older Works
    • 2017/2018
    • 2015/2017
    • Spill Paintings
    • Process Portraits
    • Working Surfaces
    • Assemblages
  • Research Blog
  • Home
  • Portfolio
    • Artists Statement
    • Contact
    • CV
  • Current Works
    • 2017/2018
    • 2015/2017
    • Spill Paintings
    • Process Portraits
    • Working Surfaces
    • Assemblages
  • Research Blog

Note/Thought - subversion /October 5, 2017 by Ally McGinn

When reading art (especially/specifically painting) there are certain assumptions we place on what we are seeing. By skewing what is expected of traditional painting we can see what the painting is, rather than what it is trying to be.

- This thought led to the inclusion of the word 'subversion' as one of my keywords.

Posted in Note/Thought   Tags: Note, subversion, Meaning, Reading Art, Thought, What is Art?
← Studio Research - Weeks 1 & 2 Research Methodologies - Intro lecture - Knowledge - Useful terms and ideas →

An ongoing exploration of contextual theory, surrounding my artistic practice. 

This blog was initially created as part of my MA. It includes research done, as well as studio updates.

Follow me on Instagram for more regular updates:

Friday.... #art #studio #wip #photooftheday #artwork #composition #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart
Two selves. 
One physical. 
One metaphysical. 
Both a story of who we are. 
More marks made in the studio.  #art #studio #wip #photooftheday #artwork #composition #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart
Something resembling a palette (2019) 
A piece on hold in the studio, while I debate whether it is enough to emulate a palette. Neither side of the debate is currently showing success, or failure. 
#art #studio #wip #photooftheday #artwork #composition #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart
These two have been slowly migrating around my studio. 
Undecided, unfinished,un-objectified. 
#art #studio #wip #photooftheday #artwork #composition #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart
A new beginning in the studio today. First layers down. A slowly productive day, as the ideas begin to germinate between artist and materials. 
Object painting continues.

Monday determination......(motivation is too fickle, I’d rather rely on determination) 
#art #studio #wip #photooftheday #artwork #objectpainting #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart
Unexpected painting 
Unspecified plans

#markmaking #picoftheday #alwaysanartstudent #art #foundart #sign #composition #contemporary #abstract #abstractart #foundcomposition #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #artiseverywhere #juxtaposition #kunst #beautyallaround #photooftheday #placement #readymade #emergingartist #whatisart #unwanted #whatispainting #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart
Ad Interim 
Nothing exists in isolation.

Seeing a deeper meaning in art can encourage a deeper exploration in other areas. 
Friday thoughts. 
#art #studio #juxtaposition #photooftheday #artwork #composition #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart
Long post alert. You have been warned. 
Graduated yesterday! A brilliant day celebrating a brilliant year with this utterly amazing bunch (and those absent from the photos, not forgetting you!!) A wonderful speech by Jeremy Irons, a reminder of the important things in life and the importance of our chosen fields. 
Cannot thank everyone enough, tutors, colleagues, friends, and family. Hard to believe that five years ago I began my journey into art, and now I can’t imagine being anywhere else. 
It was a long year, and an extremely difficult one, but it was also one of the best in my life and one I will never forget. 
Onto the next chapter. (In the order of the photo; @jamesthorntonart @sculptordib @scottsandfordart @shirleysharpartist @robertluzarartist @deborahwestmancoat @andrea.medjesijones @rouxsz @fionacampbellartist Not pictured but very much appreciated @tiximc) 
Bath Spa was a wonderful university, thanks to the brilliant team of creative minds. It’s been life changing. 
Art can often be hard to understand, and it’s certainly not going to earn me much money, but it’s value is not in spite of those things, but because of them.

The perspective shifts again..... #MA #MAFineArt #Graduation #bathspauniversity @mabathschoolofartanddesign #assemblyrooms #picoftheday @bathspauni #bathspauni #bathspaalumni @artdesignbsu
Image (2018) 
Soon to be part of the MA and other postgraduates show at the Atkinson Gallery, Street. (More details soon) 
One of my favourite pieces created in the few months since the end of the MA I love the simplicity of this piece. Part of the peripheral paintings era. Sitting comfortably between painting and sculpture. 
#art #studio #wip #photooftheday #artwork #composition #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart
A busy week out of the studio so this is a throwback to a piece made a few years ago. One of my early peripheral paintings, this piece contains the actions and marks of process, captured in the casting process. Composed of pure paint the form was defined by the reality of the cast object.

While at university there are many ideas that are done in the heat of the moment and never fully explored. More explorations of this are idea on the horizon. 
#art #studio #wip #photooftheday #artwork #composition #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart
Trying to think of a title for this piece......too many options, and far too few.

Sometimes a piece sits in the studio for months (or years!) looking for resolution and sometimes the resolution is found in the initial action, as with this piece. Sadly the options cannot be predicted, process remains foundationally important. 
Back into the studio properly next week (car troubles notwithstanding), can’t wait!!! Happy weekend everyone. 
Farewell January, here’s to to moving into February with purpose. 
#art #studio #wip #photooftheday #artwork #composition #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart
Another box assemblage. 
The restriction, and subsequent expansion, of space in this format is an extremely engaging process. Really enjoying making these. 
This one does quite feel finished, but is getting close. 
#art #studio #wip #photooftheday #artwork #composition #contemporary #sculpture #assemblage #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #objectart #fineart  #newwork #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart
Experimenting at 44AD, today. Part of the test bed residency with the group from Blue Monday.

Exploring objects outside the studio (portability proved a challenge) making me appreciate a limited selection. Inspired by thinking about Joesph Cornell. 
I have forgotten how much I enjoy assemblages. 
#art #studio #wip #photooftheday #testing #composition #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #assemblage  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart
; (2019) object painting. Approximately 40 x 45 x 3 cm.

It’s winter, and I’ve predictably caught something else that’s going around. I’m away from the studio at the moment, which is never easy when it’s not by choice. 
So, instead of listening to objects I’m currently attempting to listen to my body. A task I’m finding far more difficult, with far less outputs. (At the moment it’s mostly saying ‘bed’ its got quite the single track mind.) As always, I find objects and words far easier to understand than people, even when that person is myself. 
Normal programming will hopefully resume next week. 
#art #studio #wip #photooftheday #artwork #composition #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart
Opening tonight (PV 6-9pm) and then open for a week. At 44AD in Bath. Blue Monday, an exhibition curated by @katemcdonnellart and full of wonderful artists (you can trust me completely, I am not biased in any way. In fact, I’m going to go as far as to say, they are actually horrible people but you’ve got to admire the art! That’s got to tick some sensationalistic boxes.) Come see for yourself!

My works are nervously perched around this plinth, unable to be seen as a full group, anxiously awaiting judgement.

Each object is constructed using a single sheet of blue tissue paper, and has been subjected to a process derived from anxious behaviours. The resulting objects are re-presentations of those behaviours. 
While delicate the material retains its essence throughout, proving a deceptive fragility. 
Parallels can be seen in the ways these obsessive behaviours can affect people. Hours of repetitive activity, obsession, and anxiety are disguised, appearing as if only moments have passed. In many ways abused, each object has taken on a personality, becoming beautiful in a different way. Uniform in material, but shaped by their story. 
Nervous Objects. 
Origami and Frustration
Excess Discarded
Collected Object(s)
Th-rough Focus
A Gift Wrapped in Uncertainty 
Preparedness Personified
Redundancy Organised 
Worry Knot

Over-planning
Obsessive cleaning
Self-destructive tendencies
Gift giving
Repetition and habit 
Avoidance of change
Organisation
Excessive worrying

#exhibition #art #Contemporaryexhibition #picoftheday #painting #PV #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #openingsoon #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #tryingsomethingdifferent #unwanted #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #thisisart
Friday.... #art #studio #wip #photooftheday #artwork #composition #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart Two selves. 
One physical. 
One metaphysical. 
Both a story of who we are. 
More marks made in the studio.  #art #studio #wip #photooftheday #artwork #composition #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart Something resembling a palette (2019) 
A piece on hold in the studio, while I debate whether it is enough to emulate a palette. Neither side of the debate is currently showing success, or failure. 
#art #studio #wip #photooftheday #artwork #composition #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart These two have been slowly migrating around my studio. 
Undecided, unfinished,un-objectified. 
#art #studio #wip #photooftheday #artwork #composition #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart A new beginning in the studio today. First layers down. A slowly productive day, as the ideas begin to germinate between artist and materials. 
Object painting continues.

Monday determination......(motivation is too fickle, I’d rather rely on determination) 
#art #studio #wip #photooftheday #artwork #objectpainting #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart Unexpected painting 
Unspecified plans

#markmaking #picoftheday #alwaysanartstudent #art #foundart #sign #composition #contemporary #abstract #abstractart #foundcomposition #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #artiseverywhere #juxtaposition #kunst #beautyallaround #photooftheday #placement #readymade #emergingartist #whatisart #unwanted #whatispainting #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart Ad Interim 
Nothing exists in isolation.

Seeing a deeper meaning in art can encourage a deeper exploration in other areas. 
Friday thoughts. 
#art #studio #juxtaposition #photooftheday #artwork #composition #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart Long post alert. You have been warned. 
Graduated yesterday! A brilliant day celebrating a brilliant year with this utterly amazing bunch (and those absent from the photos, not forgetting you!!) A wonderful speech by Jeremy Irons, a reminder of the important things in life and the importance of our chosen fields. 
Cannot thank everyone enough, tutors, colleagues, friends, and family. Hard to believe that five years ago I began my journey into art, and now I can’t imagine being anywhere else. 
It was a long year, and an extremely difficult one, but it was also one of the best in my life and one I will never forget. 
Onto the next chapter. (In the order of the photo; @jamesthorntonart @sculptordib @scottsandfordart @shirleysharpartist @robertluzarartist @deborahwestmancoat @andrea.medjesijones @rouxsz @fionacampbellartist Not pictured but very much appreciated @tiximc) 
Bath Spa was a wonderful university, thanks to the brilliant team of creative minds. It’s been life changing. 
Art can often be hard to understand, and it’s certainly not going to earn me much money, but it’s value is not in spite of those things, but because of them.

The perspective shifts again..... #MA #MAFineArt #Graduation #bathspauniversity @mabathschoolofartanddesign #assemblyrooms #picoftheday @bathspauni #bathspauni #bathspaalumni @artdesignbsu Image (2018) 
Soon to be part of the MA and other postgraduates show at the Atkinson Gallery, Street. (More details soon) 
One of my favourite pieces created in the few months since the end of the MA I love the simplicity of this piece. Part of the peripheral paintings era. Sitting comfortably between painting and sculpture. 
#art #studio #wip #photooftheday #artwork #composition #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart A busy week out of the studio so this is a throwback to a piece made a few years ago. One of my early peripheral paintings, this piece contains the actions and marks of process, captured in the casting process. Composed of pure paint the form was defined by the reality of the cast object.

While at university there are many ideas that are done in the heat of the moment and never fully explored. More explorations of this are idea on the horizon. 
#art #studio #wip #photooftheday #artwork #composition #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart Trying to think of a title for this piece......too many options, and far too few.

Sometimes a piece sits in the studio for months (or years!) looking for resolution and sometimes the resolution is found in the initial action, as with this piece. Sadly the options cannot be predicted, process remains foundationally important. 
Back into the studio properly next week (car troubles notwithstanding), can’t wait!!! Happy weekend everyone. 
Farewell January, here’s to to moving into February with purpose. 
#art #studio #wip #photooftheday #artwork #composition #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart
Snow day!

P.s. hammocks are brilliant all year round.

Have a great day everyone! 
#picoftheday #snow2019 #notart #snowday #enforcedchill #dayoff #ilovehammocks #stuckathome #butiloveit #snowedin #surprise
Another box assemblage. 
The restriction, and subsequent expansion, of space in this format is an extremely engaging process. Really enjoying making these. 
This one does quite feel finished, but is getting close. 
#art #studio #wip #photooftheday #artwork #composition #contemporary #sculpture #assemblage #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #objectart #fineart  #newwork #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart Experimenting at 44AD, today. Part of the test bed residency with the group from Blue Monday.

Exploring objects outside the studio (portability proved a challenge) making me appreciate a limited selection. Inspired by thinking about Joesph Cornell. 
I have forgotten how much I enjoy assemblages. 
#art #studio #wip #photooftheday #testing #composition #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #assemblage  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart ; (2019) object painting. Approximately 40 x 45 x 3 cm.

It’s winter, and I’ve predictably caught something else that’s going around. I’m away from the studio at the moment, which is never easy when it’s not by choice. 
So, instead of listening to objects I’m currently attempting to listen to my body. A task I’m finding far more difficult, with far less outputs. (At the moment it’s mostly saying ‘bed’ its got quite the single track mind.) As always, I find objects and words far easier to understand than people, even when that person is myself. 
Normal programming will hopefully resume next week. 
#art #studio #wip #photooftheday #artwork #composition #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #painting #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #unwanted #artforsale #studio #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #nomination #thisisart Opening tonight (PV 6-9pm) and then open for a week. At 44AD in Bath. Blue Monday, an exhibition curated by @katemcdonnellart and full of wonderful artists (you can trust me completely, I am not biased in any way. In fact, I’m going to go as far as to say, they are actually horrible people but you’ve got to admire the art! That’s got to tick some sensationalistic boxes.) Come see for yourself!

My works are nervously perched around this plinth, unable to be seen as a full group, anxiously awaiting judgement.

Each object is constructed using a single sheet of blue tissue paper, and has been subjected to a process derived from anxious behaviours. The resulting objects are re-presentations of those behaviours. 
While delicate the material retains its essence throughout, proving a deceptive fragility. 
Parallels can be seen in the ways these obsessive behaviours can affect people. Hours of repetitive activity, obsession, and anxiety are disguised, appearing as if only moments have passed. In many ways abused, each object has taken on a personality, becoming beautiful in a different way. Uniform in material, but shaped by their story. 
Nervous Objects. 
Origami and Frustration
Excess Discarded
Collected Object(s)
Th-rough Focus
A Gift Wrapped in Uncertainty 
Preparedness Personified
Redundancy Organised 
Worry Knot

Over-planning
Obsessive cleaning
Self-destructive tendencies
Gift giving
Repetition and habit 
Avoidance of change
Organisation
Excessive worrying

#exhibition #art #Contemporaryexhibition #picoftheday #painting #PV #contemporary #sculpture #abstractart #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #evolving  #fineart  #installation #juxtaposition #kunst #representation #openingsoon #placement #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #tryingsomethingdifferent #unwanted #contemporaryinstallation #kunstwork
#minimalism #thisisart
Send Email

©2017 allymcginn.com