May, 2026
Autopsy
ARTIST'S TALK (online via Zoom):
Monday 15 June 2026. 7.00pm to 8:30pm
Zoom Link: bit.ly/mal-mc
STATEMENT
"Autopsy" is an installation consisting of numerous graphite pencil drawings, suspended in space with crocodile clips and silver wire. At first glance, the subjects of these drawings feel entirely random: a cat; an emoticon; latte art; news articles; eggs on toast; even Kim Kardashian! But what ties these images together is that they are all referencing social media posts, specifically Instagram. Originally created as a platform to foster online connection, the app has rapidly grown to become a dominant source of entertainment, news, and even income (assisted by the dawn of the influencer, of course). For this installation, the images have been removed from their original context, vulnerably suspended alongside one another.
The pieces have been drained of their overly-saturated colour palettes. Without their vibrancy, we can truly question the value of this information in relation to us as its consumer, as well as their relationship with the surrounding imagery. Now, we are given a quiet moment to not only contemplate the reality of what we endorse, but also what we may have missed amongst the fleeting chaos of the digital world. By dissecting the algorithm, we are given an opportunity to feel how little social media allows its users to breath and process information.
"Autopsy" is not merely an examination of the digital world, but a reflection of the ways our subconscious emotions are quietly molded, reshaped and infiltrated by it.
BIO:
Malachy McCrimmon is an artist, painter and above all, a chronically online doomscroller. As expected from someone in their generation, they are fascinated by the language, culture, and humour of the digital world, using art as a way to question its social impact. Their practice walks a fine line between reality and virtuality, giving digital imagery a physical form that is contemplative and no longer fleeting. Traditional methodologies collide with modern imagery, layered upon each other to form a dense cacophony of chaos and obscurity. They favour bold curatorial choices that escape the normalcy of the white cube, with pop-up ad-like displays that embody glitches beyond the screen. Behind the memes, selfies, and emoticons lies an often tragic message for viewers to decipher; or alternatively, take pictures of and share on all platforms as soon as possible.
Malachy McCrimmon (born in Madison, Connecticut) is a recent graduate from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design with a First Class degree in Fine Art. Upon graduating, they received the Nomas* Projects prize and were selected for RSA New Contemporaries 2026.
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