Peter McDonald

Born in Tokyo in 1973, Peter McDonald currently divides his time between London and his birthplace. Through his artwork, McDonald delves into the intricacies of human behaviour, constructing an ever-expanding visual compendium of images and scenarios. His vibrant use of colour and choice of universally relatable subjects create a world that oscillates between clear realism and vibrant distortions, rich with allusions to contemporary life such as smartphones, waiting in line, fashion presentations, and bustling cafes. His paintings are an exploration of pictorial space, where perspectives and forms are playfully manipulated to examine reality in a heightened manner, providing a platform for the artist to convey experiences and meanings.

In recognition of his talent, Peter McDonald was appointed as a short-term visiting Fellow at Jesus College Oxford in 2022. He also received a fellowship at the prestigious British School in Rome in 2017. Notable exhibitions featuring his work include showcases at Kate MacGarry in London (2021), the Mori Art Museum during Roppongi Art Night in Tokyo (2016), Camden Arts Centre in London as part of Making & Unmaking (2016), and the Daiwa Foundation with Winnebago, Carpets, Onsen, Potter (2013). McDonald's residency at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, Japan (2011-12) culminated in the exhibition "Visitor." Furthermore, he was honoured with the John Moores Painting Prize in 2008, and in 2009, he undertook a commission by London Underground for "Art for Everybody," a large-scale billboard installation at Southwark Station. ❖