Untitled

Across the horizontal canvas a dense, highly varnished, purplish-black surface is radiantly imploded by hairy, reddish tracings. Bands of horizontal gold paint suggest a horizon line, balanced on either side by similar vertical lozenges. As before, McNamara structures the work through its seductive hues and the balance between abstraction and imagery. But its seeming impenetrability, which arises from McNamara's tendency toward gorgeous but impregnable imagery, is pierced by “unsightly,” disquieting strokes. This opening up of the canvas suggests a newfound ability to imbue the obscure, blemished, and misshapen with illumination and grace.

Review quote from ArtForum, Starvardis Gallery Exhibition