Laith McGregor

Laith McGregor uses the ubiquitous biro, or ballpoint pen, to make art and although used daily the biro is rarely used as a serious drawing implement. Similarly, beards are rarely the subject of contemporary works of art. Hirsute men however, have become McGregor’s signature. This drawing is a self portrait that, as well rendering the artist’s likeness, introduces another element – a dreaming of sorts. McGregor’s beard takes the form of an inverted willow pattern. Imported from China during the last half of the eighteenth century and appropriated by English potteries, the willow pattern is an eloquent emblem of cultural translation.