MICHAEL MCGRANE is a New Orleans 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 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 scene in 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, Paul Booth, 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 has been exhibited extensively in numerous galleries and museums including the Louisiana State Museum and The New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center.
When not making art, Michael enjoys exploring abandoned places and road-tripping through the Southwest with wife and fellow artist Claudia McGrane and their two furry house elves.
selected exhibitions:
adorn gallery • new orleans • 2020
rathbone mansions • Permanent Collection new orleans • 2019
adorn gallery • new orleans • 2017
red truck gallery • new orleans • 2015
art melt • la state museum • BR LA • 2013
big top gallery • new orleans • 2013
the shop gallery • new orleans • 2013
nola now II • new Orleans CAC • 2012
art is life • 8 bond st • nyc • 2009
visions • ldR gallery • bronx nyc • 2009
nine • hoboken nj • 2008
parallel universe • rectangle artspace • miami fl • art basel • 2005
explosive exhibit • fletcher gallery • woodstock ny • 2004
modern visionary • hawthorn gallery • woodstock ny • 2003
super summer show • gallery yes •
ft. lauderdale fl • 2000
8 year anniversary • subculture • nyc • 2000
new revisited • cbgb 313 gallery • nyc • 2000
l'art noir gallery • ft. lauderdale fl • 2000
from beyond • inshalla gallery • la ca • 1999
7 year anniversary • subculture • nyc • 1999
the no-brow show • millennium gallery • denver co • 1999
nyc exposed • c-pop gallery • detroit • 1999
max fish • nyc • 1999
abraham lubelski gallery • nyc • 1999
art of the next millennium • gallery 13 • danbury ct • 1998
rock n roll picture show • squeeze • ft. lauderdale fl • 1998
subculture gallery • nyc • 1998