Mojgan McClusky’s path as an artist is shaped by resilience, reinvention, and the ability of art to communicate beyond words. Originally from Iran, she arrived in the U.S. as a teenager with little more than a passion for creation. In a new country and unfamiliar culture, art became her voice—a way to express emotions and experiences that words could not capture. Her childhood, marked by a struggle for confidence, led her to find refuge in creativity, where she could carve out a space of her own.
Her work goes beyond structure and color; it delves into memory, emotion, and the undefined spaces between them. For McClusky, real art emerges from the subconscious, bypassing language to establish a direct, visceral connection with the viewer. Her paintings are more than narratives—they are experiences, inviting contemplation and reflection. Each piece stands as an act of quiet resistance, a testament to the idea that both art and personal freedom must be claimed and defended.
“YOU ARE YOU”: A Conversation with the Self
Mojgan McClusky’s YOU ARE YOU is an expansive work—two panels of mixed-media acrylic and spray paint on canvas, each 72” x 60”, coming together to form a massive 120” x 72” composition. The painting carries an undeniable presence, not only because of its scale but because of the energy within it.
At its core, this piece explores identity. Two life-sized young girls, holding spray cans, reach toward each other, mirroring movements in a way that suggests both connection and separation. The work exists in a space between self-recognition and self-creation, where the reflection is not just a passive image but an active participant in shaping identity.
The urban, graffiti-infused setting reinforces this theme. McClusky doesn’t present identity as something fixed; it’s fluid, influenced by environment, choices, and the act of self-expression. The butterfly effect—a small action creating larger ripples—is embedded in this work. Every mark made by the girls in the painting suggests change, growth, and the unfolding of selfhood.
Layers of Meaning
McClusky’s technique adds to the complexity. The interplay of acrylic and spray paint allows for both control and spontaneity. The crisp lines of the figures contrast with the raw, textured background, where spray paint drips and blends unpredictably. It mirrors the balance between intention and the unknown, a dynamic that defines not just art but life itself.
The presence of graffiti elements is intentional. Street art is an act of reclaiming space, of making one’s presence known. By placing her figures within this context, McClusky reinforces the idea that identity isn’t given—it’s taken, shaped, and rewritten. The girls in YOU ARE YOU aren’t just painting; they’re declaring themselves.
The Unfinished Conversation
There is no resolution in YOU ARE YOU. The figures don’t fully touch, leaving a space between them—a gap filled with possibilities. This absence is deliberate. It allows the viewer to step in, to question their own relationship with identity and self-trust.
McClusky’s work often embraces ambiguity. It resists easy narratives, preferring instead to sit in the tension of unanswered questions. Who are we in relation to our reflection? Do we shape it, or does it shape us? Can self-acceptance coexist with the drive to become something more?
Art as a Personal Revolution
For McClusky, painting is more than expression—it’s an assertion of presence. YOU ARE YOU is not just about identity; it’s about claiming it. In a world that often tries to define who we are, this work pushes back, reminding us that we have the power to shape our own image.
McClusky’s personal journey informs every brushstroke. From her early years in Iran to forging a new life in the U.S., she has experienced the struggle of finding and asserting identity. Her paintings are extensions of that fight—not with fists, but with color, movement, and a refusal to be silent.
Conclusion
YOU ARE YOU is more than a painting; it’s a dialogue, an open-ended conversation with the self. It invites us to reflect, question, and ultimately embrace the fluidity of who we are. McClusky’s work reminds us that identity is not just discovered—it’s created. And in that act of creation, there is power, defiance, and, most importantly, freedom.
