Dylan McManus' work is critical of contradictions he finds apparent in modern U.S. culture. Converse icons, images, and concepts are conjoined into aesthetic representations of these observations. Each body of work is intended to offer a visual starting point for critical discourse and debate among a politically disinterested populace. The answer is left intentionally ambiguous and is less important then the question and subsequent conversation. By offering a critique of modern culture the work allows the viewer to become engaged in a world they may normally choose not to acknowledge.

Much of McManus' work utilizes the practice of portraiture in order to convey his ideas. Materials and process are critical in their relationships to portrait in question, all elements interact with one another in such a way as to be interdependent for the purposes of content. In the body of work featured at Unison he will be looking into the relationship of the returning Iraq/Afghanistan veteran to his homeland and society. Iconic in its aesthetic this series calls into question our relationship with those of us who seen these conflicts first hand.

Dylan McManus has been featured in several International Print exhibitions including the the 2009 Krakow Print Triennial, the Graphica Creativa International Trienniale, and 14th Tallin Print Triennial, among others. His work has also been featured in galleries around the world including Dorsky Curatorial Projects, and the Brenda Taylor Gallery in NYC.

Visit our artist's web site: Dylan T. McManus.