Michael McGrane is a New Orleans/New Mexico based visual artist working in a variety of media, including photography, art masks, painting, and digital art. Having been previously employed as a sign artist, graphic designer, illustrator, and art consultant, he draws on many artistic disciplines to bring these diverse images to life.
Michael began his photographic journey in New York City during the heyday of the hardcore punk era of the mid 80’s, attempting to document a now extinct music scene and the distinct personalities within. His work was later featured prominently at CBGB’s 313 Gallery in their 2000 exhibit, New Revisited. He then went on to found his own highly regarded art gallery in the East Village and curated exhibits with HR Giger, Mick Rock, Mark Mothersbaugh and many other now well-established artists. These experiences developed into a passion for shooting the unique characters, street musicians and other cultural aspects of New Orleans, the vibrant city he’s called home for the past decade. Atmospheric scenes from abandoned places and local cemeteries are also common subjects. Michael’s work was chosen as a Featured Entry in the LensCulture Street Photography Awards 2020, and has been exhibited extensively in numerous galleries and museums including the Louisiana State Museum, The New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center, and The Ogden Museum Of Southern Art.
Selected Exhibitions:
The Ogden Museum Of Southern Art • Louisiana Contemporary • New Orleans, LA • 2020/2021
Rathbone Mansions • Permanent Collection • New Orleans, LA • 2019
Adorn Gallery • New Orleans, LA • 2017
Red Truck Gallery • New Orleans, LA • 2015
Louisiana State Museum • Art Melt • Baton Rouge, LA • 2013
Big Top Gallery • New Orleans, LA • 2013
The Shop Gallery • New Orleans, LA • 2013
New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center • NOLA Now II • 2012
8 Bond St • Art Is Life • NYC • 2009
LDR Gallery • Visions • Bronx, NYC • 2009
Nine • Hoboken, NJ • 2008
Art Basel • Rectangle Artspace • Parallel Universe • Miami, FL • 2005
Fletcher Gallery • Explosive Exhibit • Woodstock, NY • 2004
Hawthorn Gallery • Modern Visionary • Woodstock, NY • 2003
Gallery Yes • Super Summer Show • Ft. Lauderdale, FL • 2000
Subculture Gallery • 8 Year Anniversary • NYC • 2000
CBGB's 313 Gallery • New Revisited • NYC • 2000
Inshalla Gallery • From Beyond • Los Angeles, CA • 1999
Subculture Gallery • 7 Year Anniversary • NYC • 1999
Millennium Gallery • The No-Brow Show • Denver, CO • 1999
C-Pop Gallery • NYC Exposed • Detroit, MI • 1999
Max Fish • NYC • 1999
Abraham Lubelski Gallery • NYC • 1999
Gallery 13 • Art Of The Next Millennium • Danbury, CT • 1998
Squeeze • Rock n Roll Picture Show • Ft. Lauderdale, FL • 1998
Subculture Gallery • NYC • 1998