This residency proposal seeks to investigate the junction between realism in portraiture and the projection of inner identity through the manifestation of alter egos. The project explores portraiture as a site of tension between what is true and what is desired, examining how individuals construct and reveal versions of themselves through both image and performance.

Elle McKay’s practice is grounded in the traditions of realist painting, using careful observation to explore the subtleties of human expression and representation. McKay has also developed a performance-based and portraiture exploration of her alter ego — the drag persona Mike Ro Scopic — through which themes of transformation, authenticity, and performative identity are vividly enacted. The residency offers a unique opportunity to bring these two streams of practice into dialogue, enabling an embodied and visual exploration of selfhood across painting, performance, and persona.

Across three weeks, McKay will develop new works that consider how portraiture can move beyond surface likeness to reveal deeper psychological and emotional truths. The project will experiment with portrait sittings, self-reflection, and live or documented interactions.

Programs: 

Week 1

T W F S - Set up and Mike

Week 2

W F S - Mike and Crash O'Byrn

Week 3

T W F S - Mike and daggy dad dancing

Week 4

T W F S - Mike Ro Scopic develop and performs

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The Residency is in the E3 artspace located just across the way from the National Art Glass Gallery at Wagga Wagga Art Gallery. Open hours are 10am - 4pm on days above

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