Trackie McLeod's Utopia: A Community-Centric Art Experience

Trackie McLeod, a 32-year-old artist from Glasgow, has launched an innovative exhibition titled *Utopia* at Factory International’s Aviva Studios in Manchester. This exhibition is designed as a fully functioning pub, where McLeod engages with visitors by pulling pints and hosting various events, including drag performances and panel discussions. The installation features mixed-media artworks that explore themes of nostalgia, class, identity, and gentrification, aiming to create a welcoming environment that contrasts with the often elitist nature of contemporary art spaces. McLeod's intention is to revive the communal spirit of pubs, which he regards as essential community hubs.

The Guardian

McLeod's path to becoming an artist has been non-linear and fraught with challenges. He struggled academically, particularly with the traditional art curriculum, which he found unrelatable. A pivotal moment occurred when an ex-student introduced him to contemporary artists like Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, igniting his passion for art beyond classical painting. Despite facing difficulties, including dyslexia, McLeod persevered through various educational experiences, ultimately finding his voice in art that reflects his working-class background and queer identity.

The Guardian

In his reflections, McLeod criticizes the art world for its lack of genuine support for underrepresented voices, particularly those from working-class backgrounds. He asserts that many galleries claim to champion diversity but often perpetuate a cycle of privilege and nepotism. “A lot of these galleries say they are championing underrepresented voices and most of the time they don’t,” he states, highlighting the barriers faced by artists like himself. McLeod emphasizes the need for more working-class, queer, and people of color voices in the art scene to enrich the cultural landscape.

The Guardian

McLeod invites the public to participate in *Utopia*, fostering a sense of community and dialogue. He believes that art should be accessible and relatable, stating, “I don’t have the answers, but I’m living proof that you can mark out your own path and it is possible.” His commitment to creating art on his own terms reflects a broader desire to reshape the narrative around who can be an artist and what art can represent.

The Guardian

• “‘The art world has a real issue with making things overly conceptual, too complicated and using wanky jargon,” says Trackie McLeod.” — Trackie McLeod, Artist

The Guardian

• “It’s just rich folk with limited life experience, pumping money into rich folk with limited life experience.” — Trackie McLeod, Artist

The Guardian

• “Spaces that were cheap and cheerful but championed character and comfort.” — Trackie McLeod, Artist

The Guardian

• “But we need more working-class voices, more queer voices, and more POC voices, because it makes for more interesting art.” — Trackie McLeod, Artist

The Guardian

Trackie McLeod's *Utopia* not only serves as an exhibition but also as a commentary on the art world and a celebration of community, inviting a diverse audience to engage with art in a familiar and comforting setting.

The Guardian