We had the good fortune of connecting with McKinley Wallace and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi McKinley, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
That’s a fantastic question. Personally, I find joy in spending time with loved ones or unwinding with a movie or show at the end of a busy day. Yet, when it comes to my creative pursuits, I’m still on a journey of discovery.

For the longest time, I believed that validation from others was the key to happiness as a creative. Fueled by the allure of social media and our innate desire for recognition, I sought external praise as a measure of success. However, through deep introspection with the support of friends, family, and my therapist, I’ve come to realize that true fulfillment stems from within.

I’ve learned that relying on social recognition for happiness is shallow and unreliable. Instead, I’m now focused on cultivating internal peace, independent of external validation. Though I haven’t fully arrived at that serene state yet, I’m eagerly anticipating the moments when I do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I employ painting, drawing, and collage as mediums to weave narratives of empowerment embodied by resilient individuals steadfast in their resistance against erasure and the shackles of dominant narratives. Through my art, I challenge viewers to delve deeply into the singular narrative and lived experiences of Black individuals, urging them to contextualize these personal journeys within broader historical and contemporary frameworks.

My artistic vision is expressed through a graphic style that seamlessly blends elements of realism, minimalism, and hard-edge painting. In my mixed media compositions, figures inhabit both black-and-white spaces, their forms confined within rectangles and squares—a visual metaphor for the enduring struggle against segregation, defiance, and the enduring beacon of hope.

Central to my artistic ethos is the desire to prompt viewers into a profound process of introspection and recalibration within spaces that directly influence the freedoms of Black individuals. I aim to provoke questioning of ingrained privileges often taken for granted, compelling a critical examination of the pervasive impact of whiteness on Black bodies—both overtly and covertly.

My art serves as a conduit for envisioning a world liberated from narratives that prioritize suppression over the celebration of freedom, joy, and autonomy. I aspire to cultivate a transformative dialogue that transcends mere observation, inviting viewers to imagine and actively contribute to a future characterized by genuine equality and inclusivity.

At the core of my creative journey lies a commitment to authenticity and personal storytelling—a perspective so intimately nuanced yet universally resonant in its authenticity. I take pride in the visual lexicon I’ve cultivated, one that encourages viewers to engage in reflective dialogue and introspection.

Navigating the realm of professional artistry entails inherent risks and challenges, demanding a vulnerability that exposes one’s work to scrutiny and critique. Yet, it is through this vulnerability that meaningful connections are forged, prompting viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and evolve in their understanding.

Ultimately, my art serves as a catalyst for societal introspection, inviting viewers to actively contribute to the ongoing quest for Black liberation while embracing narratives that celebrate resilience, triumph, and hope. With each creation, I strive to expand the tapestry of diverse representation, ensuring that Black stories are not just heard but celebrated in all their complexity and richness.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Start by enjoying a ride on the plane train in Hartsfield Jackson and hopefully navigate Atlanta traffic in one piece. Head straight to my favorite dinner spot, Cooks and Soldiers, and get a good steak. For your nightcap, check out El Malo, if you’re feeling fancy. Rest up at the Kimpton Sylvan if you’re into Buckhead, or maybe the Wylie if you like to be a little more central.

Day 2: Get breakfast at Le Petite Marche. Don’t miss the Confit Chicken Biscuit and Beignets. Then, head to the Beltline. Start by the Daily Dose and The Salty along the way for coffee and doughnuts. Those are me and my fiancé’s neighborhood spots.

Do your obligatory Ponce City Market visit and check out the Shrimp Po Boys at Fish Camp for the Chicken Tikka Roll at Botiwalla or lunch. Save room for dinner, though, and try the sushi at MF Sushi in Inman Park. If you’re lucky, check out whatever the African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta (ADAMA) has up in their galleries.

Day 3: Wake up and head to South City Kitchen for a good, long brunch. Walk it off at the Botanical Gardens and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Day 4/5: Spend a day or two in nature — go hiking at Cochran Mill Park, Vickery Creek Trail, or even Piedmont Park. Fresh air is good for the creative soul. Fuel up with a Publix Sub.

Day 6/7: Brunch at Bread and Butterfly. Chat and chill over coffee at Muchacho. Drinks and views at Spaceman at the Hyatt Centric.

Check out my Instagram and see if I have any work up around town or hit me up on if you’d like to stop by my studio and see my work in person!

Don’t miss your flight. See you next time!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my shoutout to my mother, Darlene Lundy, and my partner, Olivia Veira. Two dynamic and powerful Black women who have consistently supported me with their love, encouragement, and authenticity.

Website: https://www.mckinleywallaceiii.com

Instagram: mckinley_iii

Image Credits
Photographed by me.

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