Biography

David McKinney was born in 1970 and lives and works in Ballymena. He is currently undertaking a Master of Fine Arts in Photography at University of Ulster. In 2023. McKinney gained support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, through their Support for the Individual Artist Programme, allowing him to develop his body of work for his inaugural solo exhibition, "Beyond the Tide," at Arts for All, Belfast in October 2024. This exhibition marks a significant milestone in his progression into the art world as an emerging photographic artist.

McKinney’s practice reflects on the loss of three friends to suicide and his own personal struggles over a 15 year period which led to him being a missing person. His primary aim is to foster a broader understanding, dialogue and stigma reduction about mental health. As he continues to develop his craft, McKinney is set to contribute to the field of issue based conceptual photography in Northern Ireland with further exhibitions planned for 2025 and 2026.

Artist Statement

I am a photographer focused on exploring mental health themes through experimental digital transformations of my work. Using high-contrast imagery in monochrome or vivid colours, I aim to express emotions like anxiety, loss, and the gradual journey toward hope. My art is deeply personal, reflecting my own experiences with mental health, and I hope to encourage others to engage with these important issues. Through my images, I strive to raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding of mental health challenges.