PORTLAND, Maine - The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) at Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) is pleased to announce Some Things We Can Do Together: Megan and Murray McMillan, featuring a survey of works by two artists who have worked collaboratively for more than 15 years. Some Things We Can Do Together: Megan and Murray McMillan will be on view from March 18 through April 24, 2020, with an opening reception on Thursday, March 19, 2020 from 5–7pm.
Megan and Murray McMillan make large scale installation and performance projects that result in short videos, new installations, and photographic series. Constructing complex, architectural sets that become stages for video and photography, the McMillans create works that offer a window into seemingly impossible situations. As Jaime Uretsky, curator of their work at the New Bedford Art Museum, notes, the work unfolds within an “architecture that is rarely fixed, but instead shifts, transforms, and even flies. Each of the video elements allude to a narrative that is out of grasp. The narratives, however, are felt. The videos stir up emotions; they are relatable without being didactic; they are strangely familiar — akin to déjà vu.”
For the ICA at Maine College of Art & Design, Megan and Murray McMillan are constructing a series of tableaus that reflect both the sculptural genesis of their works and the final documents in a series of video installations throughout the galleries.
“We are absolutely thrilled to host this ambitious survey of more than a decade of the McMillans’ works,” says Director of Exhibitions Julie Poitras Santos. “For this exhibition, they are constructing an entirely new pavilion in the back gallery of the ICA that is sure to draw viewers’ attention with a series of poetic visual narratives.”
The McMillans seek to imaginatively situate the viewer inside metaphorical, visceral, fabricated environments — the coal bin of a decommissioned power plant or a small boat circling an island in the Gulf of Finland. Employing a varied lexicon of elements throughout their work – vessels of transport, theatrical stages, bridges, passageways, rooms – the McMillans create magical, transportive journeys.
The McMillans have exhibited large scale video installations at Mass MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts, the Kunsthallen Brandts Museum in Odense, Denmark, The State Museum of Contemporary Art in Thessaloniki, Greece, the RISD Museum in Rhode Island and deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, Massachusetts. Their work has been included in numerous group exhibitions, film festivals, and international biennials.
Some Things We Can Do Together: Megan and Murray McMillan, curated by Jamie Uretsky, was first exhibited at the New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks! in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
In conjunction with the exhibition, the ICA will host the following artist gallery talk:
Thursday, March 19, 2020: 5:30pm
Megan and Murray McMillan will discuss their work and the process of working together on this new installation for the ICA.
View the exhibition image folder.
About The Institute of Contemporary Art at MECA&D (ICA at MECA&D)
The Institute of Contemporary Art at Maine College of Art & Design (ICA), features innovative exhibitions and public programs that showcase new perspectives and trends in contemporary art. Located in stunning galleries in our landmark Porteous Building in Portland, Maine, the ICA at MECA&D presents cutting edge work by local, national, and international artists. A lively schedule of programming includes public lectures, workshops, performances, pop-up shows, events and other interventions. The ICA is a unique resource for the MECA&D community, offering insight into contemporary artistic practice, and first-hand experience with visiting artists.
Open Wednesday–Sunday, 11–5pm, the galleries regularly remain open until 7pm on Thursdays and until 8pm for Portland First Friday Art Walks. The ICA at MECA&D is always free.
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About Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D):
Founded in 1882, Maine College of Art & Design is located in the heart of downtown Portland's thriving Arts District. MECA&D offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 11 studio majors (including Animation & Game Art), Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art, Master of Arts in Teaching, Continuing Studies and Pre-College. Institutes at MECA&D include the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies, which offers a graduate certificate, and the Institute for Contemporary Art, which is free and open to the public Wednesday – Sunday.
Contact: Leah Igo Brooks, Director of Marketing & Communications; 207.699.5010, ligo@meca.edu
Page Banner: Megan and Murray McMillan, The Shape of Our Best Intentions, 2011.