Female Voices in Art: Kirstin Mackinnon, Artist

Kirstin Mackinnon (b. 1995, Scotland) is a figurative painter from Glasgow. She is particularly interested in portraiture, painted from life, in oils. Kirstin studies gender representation in contemporary art. The work of female painters is currently valued at a tenth of their male contemporaries, so Kirstin questions why the art world is slow to progress towards equality. She encourages the viewer to question the way genders are viewed, represented and portrayed in art and why society values their works differently. Kirstin often uses humour as a tool to communicate her research findings. Since graduating from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in 2023 with a First-Class Honours in Fine Art, Kirstin has won several awards. She has exhibited in prominent shows including the RSA New Contemporaries 2024. Kirstin’s paintings have been acquired for public and private collections. Her publications include Art World Gender Equality: UK and Scotland Today (2024).

Could you tell us something about your role in the art world?

I am an emerging artist based in Scotland, and my paintings challenge the continuing gender imbalance in the art world.

What did you enjoy about being a part of this project?

It’s exciting for me to be a part of this project so early in my career, I am interested to learn more about the project, and the other women featured.

Do you have a favourite artist?

I have a lot of favourites, it would be difficult to choose just one.

What is your earliest memory involving art?

Learning how to draw dolphins as a child, my older sisters were much better than me!

Do you have any special thoughts about the position of women in the art world?

I believe women in the art world have the power to affect change in society as a whole and promote gender equality on a local and global scale.

What are you wearing, and is there a story behind it?

I am wearing a black corduroy dress, because I was speaking at a conference prior to the photoshoot, and I wanted to look smart (there’s no paint on that outfit, yet).

What are you currently working on?

I am studying for a master’s in research in Fine Art, working on a new body of paintings and writing about the place of painting in Scotland for the emerging artist.



Could you mention a project, an institution that, or a person who has been important or inspiring for your career and why?

All the staff at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design were fantastic to work with. I am especially grateful to Dr Helen Gorrill, who introduced me to the subject of art world gender equality and continues to inspire me. I also attribute a significant amount of my artistic progress to the astute guidance of the painter Alex Roberts, who tutored life drawing throughout my time at university.