Campbell's paintings provide a fresh and daring outlook on the queer experience, embodying an ethos where queer characters assert their agency and challenge societal expectations. Through the dismantling of stereotypes, her body of work presents resilient queer individuals who live authentically and independently alongside their fellow citizens. With tongue-in-cheek humor, Campbell's art ignites thought-provoking conversations about the intersection of contemporary queer expectations and traditionally heteronormative activities. Unapologetic in her approach, her work acts as a catalyst for viewers to reassess preconceived notions and embrace a more authentic perspective rooted in the experiences and upsets of the queer community.

Tell us about your background as an artist and as a Boston native.

Growing roots in an old and transient city has allowed me to transform into the sardonic and unabashed individual I am today, i.e. a Bostonian. I feel sturdy and inspired in the ebb and flow of the GBA, it takes a lot of radical acceptance to reside here comfortably and I think that has carried over into my artistic process and imagery. The arts here are modestly funded but very accessible. I've always, in some capacity, had space to create and express myself openly to others, under the guise of art.

What is “ART” to you?

It's all subjective, contemporary art is not confined to any standard or rule, it can be anything done with the intent to invoke or anything that invokes, so potentially, everything is art. That being said, I don't like most of the art I'm exposed to. Good art is only good because it's hard to find, and again, it's all subjective.

You often paint scenes of observation from memory, particularly moments of queer gathering and celebration. How has your connection to queer nightlife in Boston impacted your art practice, as well as your own outlook on identity?

Wherever the party is, there is always a cocktail of respect, degeneracy, and love that's unique to the times we live in. I feel compelled to document the queer nightlife here in Boston, it's just what I have to do to play my part and show my appreciation to everyone involved.

In your portrait work, intimate moments are exposed behind an eerily crafted color palette, and viewers may even feel a sense of an impending threat. How does this style of portraiture speak to the sense of authenticity you wish to convey?

A lot of people are threatened by queerness but not by the individual queers themselves. It's my goal to create a body of portraiture that gives power to the individual queer, through the presence they hold or the actions they perform. I'm aiming to caricaturize local queers and place them in situations that are easy to visually digest but vague in meaning and context, leaving space for the viewer to project their own experiences and notions. With nods to both hetero and queer lifestyles I can create varying degrees of discomfort and companionship with the viewer, no matter where they are on the gender spectrum.

What has been the most challenging part of your journey as an artist? And what has been the most rewarding aspect of being a creative, fine artist, and advocate?

It's all a challenge, and it should be. But it's through constant challenge that I'm able to feel engaged with my practice and steady in my progress. My biggest obstacle right now is finding space to show some of my more lewd or distasteful work. Luckily the majority of my work doesn't strictly fall under this umbrella, but it's something I strive for.
My reward for it all comes when I can immortalize a queer person through paint in a way that uplifts them both in image and spirit. I'm often inspired by small moments with friends in which I witness one or more of them become their true unabashed self.

To see more of Campbell’s work, visit this is what i really look like at the Beacon Street Gallery, on view from July 22 - October 28, and be sure to view her finished and ongoing pieces on their Instagram page, @art_by_campbell.

Campbell McLean

“this is what i really look like” Exhibition Feature

Tell us about your background as an artist and as a Boston native.

What is “ART” to you?

You often paint scenes of observation from memory, particularly moments of queer gathering and celebration. How has your connection to queer nightlife in Boston impacted your art practice, as well as your own outlook on identity?

In your portrait work, intimate moments are exposed behind an eerily crafted color palette, and viewers may even feel a sense of an impending threat. How does this style of portraiture speak to the sense of authenticity you wish to convey?

What has been the most challenging part of your journey as an artist? And what has been the most rewarding aspect of being a creative, fine artist, and advocate?

To see more of Campbell’s work, visit this is what i really look like at the Beacon Street Gallery, on view from July 22 - October 28, and be sure to view her finished and ongoing pieces on their Instagram page, @art_by_campbell.

Campbell McLean

“this is what i really look like” Exhibition Feature

Artist Statement

Tell us about your background as an artist and as a Boston native.

What is “ART” to you?

You often paint scenes of observation from memory, particularly moments of queer gathering and celebration. How has your connection to queer nightlife in Boston impacted your art practice, as well as your own outlook on identity?

In your portrait work, intimate moments are exposed behind an eerily crafted color palette, and viewers may even feel a sense of an impending threat. How does this style of portraiture speak to the sense of authenticity you wish to convey?

What has been the most challenging part of your journey as an artist? And what has been the most rewarding aspect of being a creative, fine artist, and advocate?

To see more of Campbell’s work, visit this is what i really look like at the Beacon Street Gallery, on view from July 22 - October 28, and be sure to view her finished and ongoing pieces on their Instagram page, @art_by_campbell.

Indë

Loretta Park