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a folk-art inspired work by Michael McGrath with eyes, insects, trees and more
“Root god, light generator,” graphite and colored pencil on paper, 12 x 9 inches. All images courtesy of Michael McGrath, shared with permission

Drawn to Symbols, Michael McGrath Conjures Uncanny Narratives

Disembodied heads, eyes, and hands meet spindly trees, dragonflies, and vibrant blossoms in the folk-art inspired works of Michael McGrath. Based in Rhinebeck, New York, McGrath melds a variety of media—most pieces contain a mixture of graphite, ink, and oil and acrylic paints—into dynamic compositions suffuse with mystery. Recurring symbols and objects lend themself to a distinctive visual language that captures both the wondrous and puzzling.

McGrath is preparing for solo exhibitions in Saugerties, New York, and Kent, Connecticut, later this year, along with a few group shows. Keep up with his work on Instagram.

a folk-art inspired work by Michael McGrath with peope communing around a bare tree at night
“Intro to ceremonial lighting cycles,” colored pencil, wax pastel and acrylic on panel, 14 x 11 inches
a folk-art inspired work by Michael McGrath with a person looking at a mountain with flowers nearby
“Evening float, Panther Mountain,” acrylic and oil on canvas, 40 x 30 inches
a folk-art inspired work by Michael McGrath with a person and dog looking at a mountain with flowers nearby
“Evening float, Moonrise”
a folk-art inspired work by Michael McGrath with eyes, insects, trees, deer, and a figure
“Roe gods, chain reaction,” colored pencil on panel, 14 x 11 inches
a folk-art inspired work by Michael McGrath with eyes, insects, trees, a large hand, and a figure
“Future systems No. 5,” oil on linen, 16 x 20 inches
a folk-art inspired work by Michael McGrath with eyes, insects, trees and more
“Late migration, No. 3,” colored pencil and graphite on panel, 10 x 8 inches

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