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Ann McCoy
artist/ teaches at Yale
Professional Background
Ann McCoy is a renowned New York-based sculptor and painter who has made significant contributions to the art community since 1972. With a career spanning over five decades, she has not only established herself as a remarkable artist but has also taken on roles as a curator and art critic. Her insightful writings have been prominently featured in the acclaimed arts publication, Brooklyn Rail, where McCoy explores various artistic themes, particularly focusing on projection and visual storytelling.
In addition to her role as a practicing artist, Ann McCoy boasts a distinguished academic career. From 1980 to 2000, she served as a faculty member in the Art History Department at Barnard College, where she imparted her extensive knowledge of art history and nurtured aspiring artists during two impactful decades. Her classes gained recognition when they were featured in the documentary "Keep the River on Your Right: A Modern Cannibal Tale," which won the prestigious Amsterdam Film Festival.
McCoy's expertise extends beyond traditional boundaries, as she frequently lectures on vital subjects like art history, the dynamics of projection in contemporary art, and the intriguing relationship between mythology and visual storytelling. Her engaging lecture series helps further education about these themes, making McCoy a sought-after voice in the art community.
Education and Achievements
Ann McCoy holds a Master of Arts (MA) in Fine Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), which laid the foundation for her prolific artistic career. She also studied at the University of Colorado, where she developed her skills and honed her vision as a contemporary artist.
Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades that speak to her powerful impact and contributions to the arts. Some of the most notable awards include the prestigious Pollock Krasner Foundation grant, the Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation Award, and the Prix de Rome. Additionally, McCoy has garnered support from the National Endowment for the Arts and participated in the Berliner Künstler Program D.A.A.D. Her remarkable work has also been recognized with the New Talent Award at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Throughout her artistic journey, Ann has participated in numerous international exhibitions, showcasing her innovative artwork. Her work was featured in the esteemed Venice Biennale, and she has showcased at the Whitney Annual – two significant milestones in an artist's career. Her one-person exhibitions have created important dialogues around her art in prominent locations such as New York, Los Angeles, New Delhi, Poland, and Berlin, demonstrating her global influence and reach in contemporary art.
Artistic Contributions and Collections
Ann McCoy primarily focuses on large format drawings, projection art, installations, and sculpture, and is known for her creative designs that merge art with the theatrical stage in projection. Her visionary pieces can be found in prestigious collections across the globe, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Whitney Museum of American Art, among others. These major institutions recognize her as an influential figure in contemporary art, and her artworks continue to inspire new generations of artists and collectors alike.
As an artist, Ann has explored various dimensions of projection, writing extensively about artists such as William Kentridge, Tony Oursler, Nalini Malini, and Krzysztof Wodiczko. Her intimate understanding of the medium adds valuable insights into the current art landscape, bridging theory and practice seamlessly.
Personal Philosophy and Studies
In addition to her artistic practice, Ann McCoy has dedicated much of her life to understanding the human psyche through the lens of Jungian psychology and philosophy. She worked closely with Prof. C.A. Meier, who is recognized as Jung's heir apparent, for twenty-five years in Zurich. This profound mentorship enriched her understanding of unconscious motivations and archetypes, informing her artistic vision and the themes she explores in her work.
Moreover, McCoy's interest in alchemy reflects her commitment to exploring the intersection between art, psychology, and spirituality, giving her art a depth that resonates greatly with audiences. This multidimensional approach to art-making is part of what makes her work stand out and connect with viewers on various levels.
Conclusion
As a dedicated artist, educator, and art critic, Ann McCoy exemplifies a career of passion, innovation, and profound impact on the contemporary art world. Her vast contributions to art have solidified her role as a significant figure in the realm of sculpture and painting. From her exceptional exhibitions to her insightful critique in the Brooklyn Rail, McCoy continues to inspire and educate through her artistic legacy. Her commitment to art not only enriches her personal practice but also contributes significantly to the understanding and appreciation of art as a whole.
tags:[
sculptor
painter
Brooklyn Rail
Barnard College
art critic
art history
visual storytelling
projection art
Jungian psychology
alchemical studies
Venice Biennale
Whitney Annual
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Hirshhorn Museum
Museum of Modern Art
Whitney Museum of American Art
New Talent Award
Pollock Krasner Foundation
Prix de Rome
artist lecturer
self-employed artist
Seattle Art Institute
exhibition curator
large format drawings
New York artist
Berlin-based artist
art collector
international exhibitions
documentary film
art education