Visiting Artist: Dennis McNett

Richmond, Virginia-based visual artist Dennis McNett is at heart a storyteller, whose inventive and imaginative personal mythology about the world directly translates into the lively works he creates. Drawing from varied sources, including traditional folklore as well as popular culture stories, he continues to innovate while still honoring age-old traditions.

McNett has over 20 years of experience specializing in woodcarving and wood block/relief printmaking. McNett transcends wood engravings' 2-D roots by using carved markings as the basis for relief prints which become collage materials, then used to bring to life grandiose, three-dimensional installations at museums, art centers, galleries, city streets and other diverse environments. Despite the scale, McNett always starts with patterns and lines and slowly builds upon them adding depth and complexity to his narratives.

McNett has shown internationally at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and notable domestic spaces like the Jonathan LeVine Gallery and Joshua Liner Gallery in New York. His work has received praise from The New York Times, Houston Chronicle, NPR, Juxtapoz and other outlets.

Click here for details about the Visiting Artists Program at PAFA.