Countermeasure, 2004, Alan Magee, (b. 1947), acrylic on canvas, H. 50 x W. 75 inches, James A. Michener Art Museum. Museum purchase funded by the Janus Society. Copyright 2004, Alan Magee.

Alan Magee does many things in addition to the paintings he creates for museums and galleries. Alan creates an occasional book or magazine illustration and designs note cards and t-shirts. He also does folk art and makes puppets for animated films.

Alan creates an occasional book or magazine illustration and designs note cards and t-shirts and enjoys working in a variety of media and methods. He finds it all challenging, and he thinks it is a nice way to combine the high art museum and gallery experience with everyday art that is available to many people.

Alan really enjoys seeing people wear the t-shirts he designs. He feels even that is an artistic experience, where the artist and the wearer of the shirt work together to make something creative happen. Alan once said: “I love to see somebody walking around with one of my more outrageous t-shirts on; we share the joke at that moment even though that person doesn’t know I’m seeing him. It’s a nice feeling that’s quite different from seeing my painting on a gallery wall or having that painting purchased.”

Did you ever imagine that when you wear a t-shirt you are an extension of the artist who made it? Did you ever imagine walking down the street and seeing or being seen by the artist who made your t-shirt? Read More »