Biography

Mackenzie Mason is an artist from central North Carolina. She received her AA in Fine Arts from Sandhills Community College and her BA in Studio Art from UNC Chapel Hill.

Artist Statement

My work centers the nude figure to explore self-acceptance, grief, loss, and autonomy. Working primarily in acrylic painting, I focus on the existence of a body within a space rather than performance, spectacle, or idealization. I aim to challenge historical artistic norms, creating an atmosphere where the figures – whether animal or woman – are the primary focal points without having to serve as a stereotype, erotic image, or secondary role within a narrative.

I work from images and live models, often pairing the female form with imagery of animals. This relationship allows me to create a space of mutual dignity and navigate the duality of consciousness and instinct, interpersonal connection, and personal control. Often using references, I take photographs and adjust color and backgrounds as needed.

Historically, depictions of women served as accessories to the overshadowing male story, embodying either virtuous modesty or innocent sensuality. In opposition to this, I create images of nude women with agency and individual importance, untouched by the masculine gaze, and animals that exist as autonomous beings – equals rather than prey.