In order to work through to a better understanding of how we relate to one another, I look at the things I grasp without question -- the obvious manifestation of physics or the clear reduction and conflict of binaries. Because I have always had a hard time negotiating between the head, the heart, and the gut, and have never been able to resolve the underlying reasons why people do the things that they do, I search for ways to distill the relationship and separate the transparent intent of motion from the cloudy smog of emotion through ritual, editing, and cadence. Political figures are of particular interest: they have a clear platform, known allegiances and enemies. These things play out in the tide of global context and unlike the rest of us, their personal trials and relationships manifest themselves in the public arena and affect nations, whereas ours stay home in our studies.


A product of the Washington D.C. suburbs, McLean Fahnestock was exposed to the internal workings of politics via the local news. Not satisfied with the simply examining the government as a child, she turned to her chemistry set, circuit board, and Legos for further investigative exercises. Now she works in video, sculptural installation, and alternative photographic processes. McLean received a BFA from Middle Tennessee State University and MFA from California State University Long Beach. Her work has been exhibited in New York, California, Tennessee, Indiana, and Canada. She was recently awarded a Professional Artist Fellowship from the Arts Council for Long Beach where she lives.