Grace mcCoy
Grace McCoy (b. 1994) originally hails from Oklahoma. They earned their BFA in studio art from Northeastern State University after retiring from their career as a ballet dancer and is currently completing their MFA at the School of Visual Arts (SVA). Their work is exploring how society views and treats queer women, and the effects of religion on their experiences. They have been represented by Skid Row Gallery in Seattle, WA and has participated in many group shows across the country, as well as a solo show at FemmeX in Columbia, SC. As an educator, they integrate dance and visual arts, teaching at performing arts schools and universities across the country. Drawing upon my experience as a queer woman raised in strict religion, my artistic focus centers on capturing the beauty and strength found within domestic scenes through photography and painting. In my work, I seek to celebrate and revere queer identity, diverging from the traditional narrative perpetuated by strict religious and societal norms. Inspired by the chiaroscuro technique and posing reminiscent of Renaissance artists and religious artwork, I shift the spotlight to domestic settings, challenging the entrenched heterosexual and male dominance present in traditional Christian institutions. My intention is to create a visual narrative that moves away from the shaming and harmful narratives imposed on queer individuals. My artistic exploration delves into the profound love and admiration for my wife and other visible queer women who often face discrimination and hate. Through life-sized photographs and immersive paintings, I aim to confront viewers with the inherent strength, beauty, and power that queer women possess. These works invite viewers to become active participants, engaging in a communion with the art that encourages introspection. Through these experiences, I hope to prompt viewers to reconsider their assumptions and expectations regarding women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and to reflect on their own identities. My artistic journey becomes a call for a broader, more inclusive understanding of the diverse narratives within the queer experience, shifting the focus to the profound and beautiful moments found within domestic scenes.
