Robert McNealy
(1942–)
Robert McNealy
1942–
Robert McNealy (1942– ) is a multi-media artist with a background in archaeology and anthropology, and both fields inform the way that he approaches his artistic practice. His work is focused on drawing associations and exploring themes of power, class, social structures, and physical evolution.
Born in Twin Falls, Idaho, McNealy attended the Cornish School of Applied Arts in Seattle, Washington, from 1961 to 1962. He then attended Idaho State University where he obtained a degree in Art and Anthropology in 1968. He also completed an MFA at York University in 1985. He has since held teaching positions at the Banff Centre, Capilano College, the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, and York University. He currently lives and works in Vancouver, British Columbia.
McNealy’s interest in archeology began when he found arrowheads on the ground as a child. His interest further developed throughout his academic career, resulting a body of work that conceptually explores the connections between himself, socio-economic activity, and the passing of time. Using a variety of materials to create works on paper, collages, and installations, McNealy seeks to create associations between otherwise disparate objects to help us better understand the world and its structures.
His work has been exhibited in Canada, the United States, Jordan, and numerous countries in Europe. It can also be found in the public collections at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Princeton University Art Museum, New Jersey, and the Van Reekum Gallery, Apeldoorn, Netherlands, among others.