ARTIST STATEMENT
I use a highly technical and comprehensive approach to art making where an appropriate material technique is used for a given site and context. Sensitivity to site history, architecture and the type of viewers who will be experiencing it are essential considerations in my practice. The core of my work is using computer technology and industrial fabrication techniques to produce works that are inspired by natural phenomena whereby beauty is found by imitating the order of nature.
BIOGRAPHY
Brendan McGillicuddy received a BFA in Sculpture from the Alberta College of Art, where he received several awards for his work, including the Board of Governor’s Award (2004) and the Innovative Projects Scholarship (2004). Following his undergraduate, McGillicuddy went on to pursue an MFA in Sculpture at Parsons, The New School For Design, in New York City. During this time he was recognized for his innovative work, receiving the Parson’s Honours Award (2006), the Chaim Gross Scholarship (2004), the Parsons Dean’s Scholarship (2004), as well as a nomination for the Joan Mitchel Grant (2005).
McGillicuddy has worked with several prominent artists in New York City in the early years of his career, fabricating and installing thirteen large-scale, site specific works, notably at The New School University, University of Washington, The Tate Liverpool, the NYC Fire Department, 1515 Broadway NYC and 14 Wall St. in New York City. As a result, he has developed an arsenal of skills and knowledge required to make site-specific sculpture in materials such as glass, metal, light and electronic media.
His work has been exhibited in New York, Chicago, Calgary and Edmonton, at galleries such as Exit Art Gallery (NYC), the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (NYC), the Heidi Cho Gallery (NYC), and The Manson (Chicago), among others. He has also received commissions via the The Edmonton Arts Council to create site specific work.
McGillicuddy currently resides in Calgary.
EXHIBITIONS & AWARDS
Education
MFA in Sculpture (Honours), Parsons, The New School For Design, NY, New York, May 2006
BFA in Sculpture (Distinction), Alberta College of Art and Design, Calgary, Alberta, May 2004
Selected Exhibitions / Commissions 2005 – present
2017 Veil, South Haven Cemetery, a collaboration with Jeffrey Riedl, a permanent installation commissioned by The Edmonton Arts Council
2015 In the Making, Kenderdine College Art Galleries, Curated by Diana Sherlock
2015 Future Station – The 2015 Alberta Biennial of Contemporary Art, The Alberta Gallery of Art, curated by Kristy Trinier
2014 In the making, Illingworth Kerr Gallery, curated by Diana Sherlock
2013 1912/2012 Made in Alberta IV, Art Gallery of Calgary, curated by Kayleigh Hall
2013 1912/2012 Made in Alberta I, Museum of Contemporary Art, curated by Jeffrey Spalding
2012 Anthropocene, Alberta Gallery of Art, curated by Catherine Crowston
2009 Overflow, Callingwood Recreational Centre, permanent installation commissioned by The Edmonton Arts Council
2007 Electric Lab, Exit Art Gallery, curated by Jeanette Ingberman and Papo Colo, New York
2006 Participant in “Iron Artist” performance by Matt Freidman and Cabinet Magazine, PS1, Long Island City.
2006 Twenty-Four, Uprising group show, LMCC, Manhattan, New York.
2006 “Collapse”, Small Axes group show, Heidi Cho Gallery, Manhattan, New York.
2005 “Raising the Dead” sculpture and drawing, Living At The End curated by Dirk Knibbe, The Manson,
Chicago, Illinois.
Awards
2015 Alberta Foundation for the Arts Project Grant – Hive
2008 Alberta Foundation for the Arts Project Grant – Isotrope
2006 Parsons Honours Award (Parsons)
2005 Nominated for the Joan Mitchel Grant (Parsons)
2004 Chaim Gross Scholarship (Parsons)
2004 Parsons Dean’s Scholarship
2004 Alberta Foundation for the Arts project Grant
2004 Board of Governors Award (ACAD)
2004 Sculpture Major Award (ACAD)
2004 Jason Lang Scholarships (ACAD)
2004 Innovative Projects Scholarship (ACAD)
2003 Jason Lang Scholarships (ACAD)
2003 Ivan Cellars Memorial Scholarship (ACAD)
2002 Jason Lang Scholarships (ACAD)
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
2016 Selection panel, Manulife 707 Public Art concept
2016 Selection panel, The City of Calgary Public Art program
2015 Member of the Board of Directors for The New Gallery, a non-commercial artist-run centre that presents and promotes contemporary art.