Catherine Wang McMahon (b. 1999, San Francisco) is a Chinese-American queer artist based in San Francisco, CA. They earned a BFA from New York University in 2022.
Catherine's art process combines research from scientists, indigenous land stewards, and environmental activists. They create site-specific works characterized by vibrant colors, capturing nature's energy and interconnectedness. Inspired by Asian watercolor, plein air artists, and Chinese philosophy, Catherine explores the life force in all beings and aims to challenge the exploitation of nature.
Through their art, Catherine documents changing landscapes and amplifies marginalized voices, particularly in the Global South. Their work invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with nature, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and themes like queer ecology, intergenerational trauma, and symbiotic relationships in nature.
PDF Artist Biography & CV
︎ @catherinewangmcmahon
E: catherinewmcmahon@gmail.com
CURRICULUM VITAE
CURRENT ROLES
Gallery Assistant, Micki Meng
Shop Technician, Recology AIR
EDUCATION
2022
BFA in Studio Art, New York University, New York, NY
NYU Paris, Study Abroad (Spring 2020)
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2023
California Nature, Four Chicken Gallery, San Francisco, CA
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2023
Pyramid Scheme, Bass & Reiner, San Francisco, CA
2022
Will There Really Be A Morning, The Commons & Rosenberg Galleries, New York University, New York, NY
Retro/Intro, IFA Curatorial Collaborative, NYU Institute of Fine Arts, New York, NY
Natural Habitats, Cabrillo Gallery, Santa Cruz, CA
2021
A Queer Art Experience, Fuze, New York, NY
2020
2020 BFA Show, Serving The People, augmented reality online exhibition
2019
Lingua Franca, Lingua Franca, New York, NY
Dinner Party, Rosenberg Gallery, New York University, New York, NY
AWARDS / GRANTS
2021
SNF Grant, Intersection For the Arts, San Francisco, CA
2020
Alternative Exposure Grant, Southern Exposure, San Francisco, CA
Artistic Practice Award, New York University, New York, NY
Global Pathways Scholarship, New York University, Paris, FR
2017
Steinhardt Studio Art Scholarship, New York University, New York, NY