Fine Art / New Media
Last Meals
Still life paintings of leftover meals examine injustices inherent to capital punishment, while embracing our shared humanity of those condemned. After researching individual final meal requests, I cook and consume each meal before photographing it. It is these leftovers that form the composition of the paintings, and the process lends an eerie intimacy and tension to the work. Individual paintings from the series have been exhibited throughout the United States and Canada. Selected works have been published internationally, including features in Wired and international editions of GQ magazines.
Links to Selected Press
3 BBQ pork ribs, onion rings, fried okra, beef enchiladas with cheese and lemon creme pie. Oil on canvas, 16 x 20" © Kate MacDonlald
BBQ chicken, brown rice, refried beans and sweet tea. Oil on canvas, 20 x 24" © Kate MacDonald
Cheese omelette and fresh sliced tomatoes. Oil on canvas, 14 x 18" © Kate MacDonald
3 BBQ pork ribs, onion rings, fried okra, beef enchiladas with cheese and lemon creme pie. Oil on canvas, 16 x 20" © Kate MacDonlald
Selected Press
Artists document death row inmates' final taste of life
Wired Magazine, Article, Rachel Zurer, August 2011*
Any Last Requests?
Interview with Russell Bowers, Easter Sunday Special (hour two)
CBC Radio, Interview, April 2011
Last Meals Shine Spotlight on the Death Penalty
Fredericton Gleaner, Article, Tara Chislette, October 4, 2012*
Kate MacDonald Humanizes the Death Penalty
Paintings inspired by last meal requests
The Aquinian, Article, Aly MacIsaac, October 23, 2012
Halálraítéltek utolsó vacsorája – fotó
HVG, Article, September 2011*
Lawmaker Takes Offense to Capitol Art Display
Execution Images Removed by Houston Legislator
American Statesman, Article, W. Gardner Selby, March 13, 2007*
*includes photo publication