Christina McPhee: Layers of Landscape and Memory

Christina McPhee’s artistic practice is fundamentally driven by a deep connection to place—specifically, the ancestral lands of the Chumash and Salinan peoples in Southern California. Her work transcends mere depiction; instead, she crafts intricate visual narratives that investigate site specificity and delve into the multifaceted complexities of memory, resulting in arresting drawings, paintings, and video installations. Born in Los Angeles in 1954, McPhee embarked on her artistic journey with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Scripps College in Claremont, California, followed by an MFA from Boston University College of Fine Arts where she studied under the influential Philip Guston—a relationship that undeniably molded her aesthetic sensibilities. McPhee’s approach to artmaking distinguishes itself through meticulous observation and experimentation. She painstakingly analyzes geological formations, atmospheric conditions, and subtle shifts in light – elements which become inseparable components of her artworks. Drawing inspiration from Guston's expansive canvases and his pioneering exploration of tonal abstraction, McPhee employs a technique characterized by dense layering and textural manipulation. Her drawings often utilize graphite and charcoal to capture the contours of landscapes with remarkable precision, mirroring Guston’s masterful control over form and color. Simultaneously, her paintings incorporate encaustic wax alongside pigment—a medium renowned for its ability to fuse color and texture into durable surfaces, creating a palpable sense of materiality and depth. This deliberate process reflects not simply what is seen but how it feels – capturing the very essence of a particular environment, mirroring Guston’s commitment to conveying emotion through abstraction. Her participation in Documenta 12 (2007) and the Bucharest Biennale (2008) solidified her position as a prominent voice within contemporary art discourse. These exhibitions underscored her dedication to confronting pressing environmental concerns through artistic inquiry, demonstrating her willingness to engage with critical dialogues concerning representation and perception. McPhee’s work has garnered considerable acclaim from institutions such as the American University Museum located in Washington, D.C., and the bildmuseet in Umea, Sweden, bolstering her visibility within the international art community. Notably, she presented Canyon Variations #4 and Cloudfoot Kilauea at these venues, showcasing her ability to communicate profound ideas through visual mediums. Furthermore, her video installations were showcased at festivals like Videoformes in Clermont-Ferrand, France and Open Space, demonstrating her versatility as an artist across various artistic disciplines. Christina McPhee’s artistic trajectory continues to unfold with unwavering conviction—driven by a steadfast commitment to exploring the intersection of landscape, memory, and artistic expression. Her enduring legacy underscores her significant contribution to the realm of contemporary art, cementing her place as a visionary artist who champions environmental awareness while simultaneously honoring the traditions of Californian indigenous cultures.