About the Artist
Isaac McCaslin is a Savannah-based fine artist whose allegorical and narrative work explores the interplay of history, identity, and the human experience. With a BFA in Painting from the Savannah College of Art & Design (Magna Cum Laude), McCaslin has received accolades at regional, national, and international levels. His achievements include Best in Show at the Emerald Coast National Juried Fine Arts Exhibition and the Greenpoint Gallery National Juried Art Competition, along with an Artist Residency Fellowship at the prestigious Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
McCaslin’s practice is rooted in Renaissance and Baroque techniques, reimagined through a contemporary lens. His oil paintings navigate themes of mortality, memory, and the collective human psyche. His works have been exhibited in galleries, museums, and public spaces across the United States, earning places in private, corporate, and museum collections.
Currently, McCaslin is featured in Roots and Realities, an exhibition at the Beach Institute African American Cultural Center in Savannah, where he presents The Tragedy at Ebenezer Creek, a powerful black-and-white series that illuminates a harrowing yet pivotal moment in American history. Alongside the vibrant works of Amiri Farris, his series contributes to a dialogue on resilience and memory, underscoring the Gullah Geechee people's cultural endurance and the tragic events that shaped their history. This exhibition, on display from February to April 2025, invites audiences to reflect on the alchemy of suffering and survival, where loss transforms into legacy.
Beyond his studio practice, McCaslin is deeply engaged in fostering artistic communities. He coordinates the Savannah Open Model Sessions at the Beach Institute, providing a space for artists of all levels to practice figure drawing in an inclusive and inspiring environment. These weekly sessions feature live models and various pose durations, supporting both emerging and established artists in their pursuit of observational excellence.
Now in Residence at ARTS Southeast’s Incubator Artist Initiative, McCaslin is currently developing a new body of work exploring the theme of sacrifice through figurative oil paintings. These works, set in apocalyptic landscapes, capture dancers suspended in moments of transformation—blurring the line between personal and archetypal experience. His process remains intuitive and exploratory, embracing the unknown as each painting unfolds, reflecting his belief that art is a continual act of discovery rather than a fixed destination.
As a full-time artist, McCaslin continues to expand his practice through interdisciplinary approaches, integrating traditional techniques with contemporary concerns. His goal is to inspire transformation and dialogue within the artistic landscape, aligning with his commitment to community, historical reflection, and the evolution of visual storytelling.
