Vanessa McKernan
Artist member since 2018
Toronto , Ontario
Vanessa McKernan's paintings begin with a focus on the narration of a dream, fantasy, memory or experience. Portrayed through exaggerated gesture and broken posture, the figures in her work grapple with the fragility of their existence in an increasingly socially and physically unstable world. McKernan holds a BFA in Studio Art from Concordia University and works out of a studio located in Toronto's historic distillery district.
Inside the Studio
Q+A
How long have you been creating art?
I would say I started seriously making art 16 years ago when I was at Concordia University doing my BFA. It took me about 10 years from when I started to get to a place where the majority of my week was spent in the studio. And though during those years I was frustrated by having to do other work, I see now how valuable all the parts of that journey were.
Your favourite spot in Toronto right now
The Brickworks
What do you listen to when you work?
Podcast junkie!
What artists do you admire right now?
Lately I've been really into artists like Janet Werner and Tina Berning who look at fashion and the body in really different but interesting ways
When I'm not making art, I'm (a) ...
Graphic designer and mother of a 2 year old
I'm really good at making (a) ...
Sourdough bread
Select Past Exhibitions
2018
2018
2018
2017
2017
2016
2015
2015
2014
2014
Accolades
2015
2006
Press
2014
2013
Residencies
Education
2006
Social
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