Megan McGee
she/her
Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve: The Art of Psychological Mourning and Transformation
I’m an artist devoted to navigating the complexities of mental health, primarily through the lens of anxiety and depression. In doing so, my practice involves utilising drapery, specifically the act of veiling, as a means of exploring the interplay between visibility and invisibility, generating an important and meaningful dialogue about the self and societal expectations that has moulded both the human experience and individuality.
Based on Kübler-Ross’s theory of the 5 stages of grief- Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance, I have conducted a sequence of five paintings that delve into the profound journey of psychological grief, mourning the woman I once was before social conditioning. Each artwork serves as an outwardly expression of my individual experience with psychological torment. It reflects my internal landscape and embodies the attempt to mask and isolate myself from my surroundings, highlighting self-hatred and the transformative journey towards hope, healing and self.
Denial, oil on canvas, 50 x 60cm
Anger, oil on canvas, 50 x 60cm
Acceptance, oil on canvas, 50 x 60cm
5 Stages of Grief
Acceptance, captured midst progress
Depression, captured midst progress
Desired palette
Research
Initial research work
Exploring the use of drapery, specifically the act of veiling as a symbolic metaphor
Contemplating colour palette and locating further areas of interest
Developing a final concept and generating vision boards to aid my creative process