Exploring Digital Disruption at the UNM Art Museum with Graphic Design Assistant Joseph McKee

As I walked into the University of New Mexico (UNM) Art Museum, I was immediately struck by the striking visuals and thought-provoking exhibits on display. Among the various installations, one piece caught my eye – a series of portraits titled 'The Graduate' (2022) featuring Joseph McKee, the Graphic Design Assistant for the UNM Art Museum during Spring 2022.

I couldn't help but send a text message to my friend, 'Hey, I'm at the art museum and saw this amazing exhibit! The artist, Joseph McKee, has worked with the museum before. Have you seen their work?' Little did I know that Joseph's project for the Spring 2022 semester would not only fulfill their practicum requirement for a Minor in Museum Studies but also showcase their unique digital compositional style.

Joseph's personal portfolio, available at josephmckee.xyz, reveals a fascination with digital body manipulation and queer identity. This exploration of digital disruption is evident in their commissioned freelance work as well as collaborations with organizations such as the Daily Lobo, ARTS Unexpected, and Conceptions Southwest since 2019.

As I delved deeper into the exhibit, I discovered that Joseph designed both the general visitor brochure and text panels for Tracing Inner Worlds, a captivating installation on display. The attention to detail in their design work is impressive, reflecting their expertise as a graphic designer.

In an era where technology seamlessly integrates with our daily lives, Joseph's creative endeavors serve as a testament to the power of digital disruption in the art world. Their contributions to the UNM Art Museum not only enhance visitor experiences but also push boundaries in storytelling and visual representation.

Joseph McKee's work is a true reflection of their passion for innovation and artistic expression, inspiring me to explore more about the intersection of technology and art. As I left the museum, I couldn't help but send another text message – 'Just saw an amazing exhibit at the UNM Art Museum! Joseph McKee's design work really stood out. Highly recommend checking it out!

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