Spotlight: How Gary James McQueen, Nephew of the Late Alexander McQueen, Uses Advanced Technology to Make Haunting Digital Art

His works are currently on view at West Chelsea Contemporary.

Portrait of Gary McQueen. Courtesy of the artist.

Every month, hundreds of galleries add newly available works by thousands of artists to the Artnet Gallery Network—and every week, we shine a spotlight on one artist you should know. Check out what we have in store, and inquire for more with one simple click.

About the Artist: For many years, artist and designer Gary James McQueen worked as head of textiles under his uncle, the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen. There, he focused on the unique ways art and fabric can intersect, even how optical illusions can be integrated into textile design. After his uncle’s death in 2010, Gary James McQueen branched out into developing his own brand, which aims to continue experimenting at the intersection of fashion and art. In his artistic practice, he has mastered 3-D technology, creating striking new designs and artworks that seem at once Victorian and futuristic. 

Why We Like It: Right now, several of McQueen’s works are on view in the five-artist exhibition “First Impressions” at West Chelsea Contemporary in New York. The works are printed using 3-D lenticular technology and feature the kind of hauntingly beautiful imagery associated with the McQueen name, such as a skull composed of flowers. The lenticular printing process means that, in person, the images have a holographic quality, with the images shifting into a new form as the viewer moves from side to side, or seem to possess the illusion of depth. 

What the Gallery Says: “Using his experience in the fashion industry as a foundation, Gary James McQueen has developed three-dimensional lenticular artworks that immerse viewers in the McQueen world of storytelling. After working under his uncle as the head of textiles, he branched out to create his own brand where he is forging a new path across media. Applying his advanced knowledge of digital technology with traditional principles of art and fashion, McQueen has created a line of limited-edition silk scarves, three-dimensional lenticular artworks, and, most recently, released an entirely digital fashion show. Through digital modeling software, 3D-printed sculptures, and photography, McQueen’s body of work finds innovative modes of expression and communication for the modern age.” 

Browse works by the artist below.

 

Savage Beauty
Inquire for More Information 

Gary James McQueen, Savage Beauty Lenticular Artwork (2021). Courtesy of West Chelsea Contemporary.

Gary James McQueen, Savage Beauty (2021). Courtesy of West Chelsea Contemporary.

 

Modernist Fantasy Birds
Inquire for More Information 

Gary James McQueen, Modernist Fantasy Birds (2022). Courtesy of West Chelsea Contemporary.

Gary James McQueen, Modernist Fantasy Birds (2022). Courtesy of West Chelsea Contemporary.

 

The Flayed Angel (2022)
Inquire for More Information 

Gary James McQueen, The Flayed Angel (2022). Courtesy of West Chelsea Contemporary.

Gary James McQueen, The Flayed Angel (2022). Courtesy of West Chelsea Contemporary.

 

First Impressions” is on view at West Chelsea Contemporary in New York through February 27, 2022. 


Follow Artnet News on Facebook:


Want to stay ahead of the art world? Subscribe to our newsletter to get the breaking news, eye-opening interviews, and incisive critical takes that drive the conversation forward.