Andrew McPhail

Andrew McPhail is a Canadian visual artist whose multi-disciplinary practice incorporates use of a wide range of mixed media materials, sculpture and performance. His accumulative, craft oriented work reconfigures ephemeral materials such as Band Aids, Kleenex, pins, sequins and post-its into large sculptures and installations often with a performative element.

McPhail’s 2022 Smokestack Quarterly print edition, all my little failures; the wallpaper, expands upon a life-sized wearable garment work (2010) made up of approximately 70,000 Bandaids, presented for viewing in a gallery setting and activated as a worn garment for related street performances. Like the original piece, this print was created by direct incorporation of Band Aids as they were layered, inked, and imprinted directly onto paper through the press.

Andrew McPhail has exhibited his work in Canada and internationally. In addition to his artistic practice, he is cofounder of the Hundred Dollar Gallery with fellow Hamilton artist Stephen Altena and a founding member of The Assembly gallery in Hamilton. In 2013 McPhail was the recipient of the Canada Council International Studio in Paris and in 2021 received the City of Hamilton Arts Award.