1985-
The Power of Intuition in Color and Form
MEGAN ROONEY
Leaning Out For Yellow // 2023
EARLY INFLUENCES
Megan Rooney's journey into the world of art is as vibrant and multifaceted as her works themselves. Born in 1985 in South Africa, Rooney's early life was a tapestry of diverse cultural experiences, having lived in Brazil and Canada before settling in London. Her artistic inclinations were nurtured by her mother, who inspired creativity through unconventional means, such as scavenging scrap yards for materials.
This eclectic upbringing laid the foundation for Rooney's distinctive approach to art, characterised by a deep, personal connection to colour and texture. Her childhood experiments with colour, like painting her bedroom walls in different hues, were early manifestations of her fascination with how environments and emotions intertwine.
Spin Down Sky // 2024 // Performance Piece
MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH
Rooney's art defies categorisation, seamlessly blending painting, sculpture, performance, and poetry into cohesive narratives. Her multidisciplinary practice is a testament to her belief that art should transcend traditional boundaries, creating immersive experiences that engage multiple senses.
Rooney's works often incorporate elements of performance, where she uses her own body and voice to animate her creations, blurring the lines between artist and artwork. This integration of various forms and mediums not only enhances the depth of her pieces but also invites viewers to explore the interconnectedness of different artistic expressions.
Old Sky (Blue) // 2024
Flyer and the Seed // 2023
THE LANGUAGE OF COLOUR
Colour is a central element in Rooney's work, serving as both a medium and a message. Her large-scale, painterly abstract canvases are renowned for their lyrical quality, often hinting at narratives without explicitly defining them.
Rooney's use of colour is intuitive and responsive, influenced by her immediate surroundings and broader environmental changes. For instance, her recent mural, initially envisioned in fiery summer tones, evolved to incorporate blues due to unexpected weather patterns. This adaptability underscores her belief that art should reflect the complexities of the world, capturing both its beauty and unpredictability.
Don't Miss You (Lie) // 2019
GLOBAL RECOGNITION
Rooney's impact on the art world is undeniable, with her work gaining international acclaim and featuring in prestigious collections such as the Fondation Louis Vuitton and the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw. Her exhibitions have been met with enthusiasm from collectors and critics alike, drawn to her ability to create works that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant.
Rooney's strategic presence in global art fairs and exhibitions has expanded her reach, allowing audiences worldwide to experience her unique artistic vision. Despite her growing fame, Rooney remains grounded in her process, focusing on the authenticity and emotional depth of her creations.
Two Standing Women (1967)
INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES
Rooney's artistic process is as innovative as her finished works. Initially trained as a printmaker, she developed a technique of working "in reverse," removing layers of paint to reveal hidden forms and colours beneath. This method, reminiscent of her printmaking background, allows her to explore the tension between creation and destruction, a theme prevalent in her art.
Rooney's approach requires a delicate balance of energies, where aggression and peace coexist to produce a compelling final piece. Her dedication to this process often means spending extensive periods on a single "family" of paintings, each piece evolving organically over time.
Mural at Kettle’s Yard // 2024
Identity (2006)
THE FUTURE OF ART
Megan Rooney's contributions to contemporary art extend beyond her individual works; she represents a new era of artistic exploration where boundaries are blurred and traditional hierarchies are challenged. Her ability to weave narratives through diverse mediums and her commitment to capturing the essence of the human experience make her a pivotal figure in the art world today.
As Rooney continues to push the limits of her creativity, she not only transforms the canvas but also inspires a generation of artists to embrace innovation and authenticity in their practices. Her journey is a testament to the power of art to transcend, transform, and connect us all.