Lauren McKinney stands on the precipice of an unseen chasm, in a world where countless artists pursue the fleeting glimmers of light.
As a rising force in abstract art, McKinney’s creations are more than mere paintings—they are a visceral expression of her inner world, each brushstroke driven by the encroaching shadow of her fading vision. Her work is a daring interplay of color and emotion, forged in the face of impending darkness, producing masterpieces that not only challenge but surpass her fate. While the Impressionists captured the dance of light and Leonardo da Vinci marveled at the complexity of the human eye, McKinney’s art boldly redefines these conventions. Painting without the luxury of clear sight, she taps into the profound depths of her inner vision, crafting canvases that throb with a raw beauty, reshaping the very concept of perception.
McKinney’s journey is both heartrending and inspiring. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease that gradually robs her of her sight, she has turned this looming darkness into a wellspring of creativity. Within this void, her art has found a voice—a voice that echoes with a boldness born of deep suffering and the unyielding spirit of a woman who refuses to be silenced.
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., during the turbulent 1980s and 1990s, McKinney’s early years were marked by the harsh realities of urban life, including gang violence and a pervasive sense of despair within the Black community. Yet, amid this turmoil, a persistent spark within her refused to be extinguished—a spark that would one day cut through the darkest clouds of adversity.
The global pause brought on by the COVID pandemic became a turning point for McKinney. In the enforced stillness, she sought refuge in the warmth of her family and the exploration of passions long ignored. It was during this time that McKinney uncovered her natural gift for painting. What began as a therapeutic endeavor soon blossomed into a profound means of transcending her visual limitations and expressing the depths of her soul.
Despite the daunting challenges of her condition, McKinney’s art radiates an unapologetic beauty. Her canvases are more than just visual works—they are visceral experiences, inviting viewers to see the world through the lens of an artist on the verge of blindness. Her abstract compositions, rich with emotion and vibrant colors, stand as a testament to her unbreakable resolve and the purity of her creative vision. In 2021, her burgeoning talent was showcased in the Chela Mitchell pop-up group exhibit and the No Kings Collective’s Umbrella group exhibit, marking significant milestones in her artistic journey and cementing her place within the art world.
Her path to recognition began even earlier, in 2020, when a collaborative piece of hers graced the cover of the Washington City Paper. This work, a testament to her collaborative spirit and artistic brilliance, was later featured at Plain Sight, a street-view gallery. The success of this exhibit led to a feature in District Fray Magazine, further amplifying her artistic voice and vision.
McKinney’s work embodies a delicate balance of fragility and strength, a dance between light and shadow. Each brushstroke defies the encroaching darkness, declaring that beauty can emerge from suffering. Her art is not confined by her visual impairments; rather, it is liberated by them, allowing her to explore realms of perception that few others can reach.
As McKinney confronts the daunting reality of blindness, her art grows even more radiant. It is this struggle, this confrontation with the void, that imbues her work with an unmatched beauty. Despite her deteriorating eyesight, McKinney’s resolve to create remains unshaken. Her paintings transcend mere art; they are manifestations of her spirit, reflections of her journey and celebrations of the enduring power of the human soul.
Lauren McKinney stands as a symbol of resilience and creative brilliance. Her story is not just about an artist defying the odds, but about a woman who, despite immense adversity, continues to paint the world with colors only she can see. Her work, born of suffering and courage, is a testament to the profound beauty that arises when light meets darkness.
