The paintings of Ky McDonald depict unoccupied spaces that intersect beauty and alienation.  Ky’s painterly aesthetic manages to capture a fresh curiosity and drama that draws a viewer into her ambiguous interiors. The works capture the feelings of a space during an absence of social experiences, and the emotional baggage of past and present relationships.  

Ky disrupts the realist quality of her work with distorted depictions of indoor/outdoor spaces that give a nod to the current uncertain state of the world. The integration of sparse architectural post and beam structures are used to emphasise our ability to shelter but never fully hide.  Her use of empty chairs and dining tables represent a lifeless tableau that becomes a vessel for memories of togetherness.  The high-contrast drama within Ky’ paintings elicit a moody sense of anticipation that reflects our volatile thoughts and beliefs about ourselves and others.