Join artist Oscar McDonah for an in-depth conversation about his sculptural practice and the evolving relationship between environment, atmosphere, and viewer experience. This talk accompanies his current body of work, which explores the intersections of tradition, ritual, and contemporary culture while reflecting his familial ties to the Midwest.

In contrast to his large-scale installations, Oscar’s smaller, more intimate works invite personal connection and interpretation, embracing ambiguity and emotional resonance over defined space. Drawing from his dual roles as both sculpture artist and front-of-house lighting director, Oscar examines how scale and light shape our perceptions of form and space—how an artwork can both respond to and transform its environment.

He will discuss his creative process, from working with found and raw materials such as wood pallets and plywood, to incorporating elements of lighting design, performance, and architectural awareness. Influenced by artists like André Heller and the concept of Happenings, Oscar’s approach blends sculptural installation with temporal, performative energy—exploring the fleeting yet profound ways art interacts with place and audience.