Megan Foster
Megan Foster is an artist based out of New York City.
Can you tell us a bit about the process of making your work?
It’s like paint by numbers meets a giant sticker book. Kidding however it really is that basic. This past year I started experimenting more with an air brush to further push the illusion of light and I’m really enjoying the process. It adds a nice middle ground for the holographic stickers.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m working on a series of paintings and prints using landscape as a backdrop to play with liminal space and spectacle. The American Technological Sublime by David Nye has influenced the newer work as think about nostalgia, the every day and technology. (More below :)
We love the holographic marks on your painting and how precise they are. Can you talk about the importance of shape and order in your work?
As much as I like the perfection, I like the disorganization. Sometimes I start with a strict plan and specific location for each sticker and others are a collection of stickers placed without a plan. The shape is important and I precut them in various sizes. The circle references many different forms of light such as drones, orbs, stars and lite brite pegs.
What are some references you draw upon in your work? Are there any themes in particular that you like to focus on when creating?
The new work is inspired by a combination of popular science, drone technology and nostalgic toys such as Lite Brite. I titled the series after the toy. The series was started during the height of the pandemic while under strict quarantine regulations. Influenced by liminal time and space, the paintings explore real and artificial reality. Platforms such Zoom, Zwift and Apple’s operating system are used to explore color, altered rituals and the everyday experience.
Where are some of your favorite spaces that support contemporary art or design? Now that the art has an online presence has that changed?
Yes there are too many to narrow down however New York in general from small galleries to major institutions. It has been amazing to see so many places transform their programming and platform during the pandemic. While it was tragic and difficult for so many, there are many positive takeaways to how we show and participate with art and artists, both virtual and in real life going forward.
Megan Foster’s work is included in our show “Illuminated,” July 9th - Aug. 30th, 2021. Visit her Instagram (@fostermegan) to see more of her work.