© Angela McQuillan, *Phoenix Rising* Oil and Acrylic on Canvas, 24” x 30”, 2022

November 19, 2025
Amie Potsic interviewed Philadelphia-based artist, designer, curator, and gallery owner Angela McQuillan - whose background in biology and fine arts informs two decades of interdisciplinary work, including leading the Esther Klein Gallery, co-founding the BioArt Residency, owning Chimaera Gallery, curating more than 65 exhibitions and earning recognition in outlets such as The New York Times and Forbes.

“In a world saturated with information, true mysteries continue to surround us. Even with our most determined efforts to understand them, vast realms remain just beyond our reach, inviting curiosity. It is this persistent sense of the unknown that fuels my desire to explore and to learn.

My work is shaped by a fascination with the hidden architectures of living systems and the essential processes that unfold beyond our senses. Drawing on my scientific background, I hold a deep appreciation for the complexity of life and the delicate mechanisms that sustain it. I am continually intrigued by the ways nature evolves and by the subtle and profound influences humans exert upon it, revealing the intricate networks that bind all forms of existence.

I view the world as an interconnected constellation of events, where no phenomenon occurs in isolation. Science, to me, is not merely a method for solving problems but a practice that continually opens new questions and reshapes our understanding. Art becomes a vital counterpart in this pursuit: a mirror of collective knowledge and a catalyst for reflecting on its implications for society and the environment.

For me, science and art are parallel paths of inquiry, like complementary tools for making sense of ourselves and our surroundings. Though complete understanding may always remain just out of reach, each insight earned along the way brings meaning to the search itself.”

- Angela McQuillan, Artist Statement

© Angela McQuillan. Image courtesy of the artist.

Angela McQuillan, a Philadelphia-based artist, designer and curator, merges the disciplines of art and science in her creative endeavors. With A B.S. in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin, a B.F.A. in Painting and Drawing from Tyler School of Art, and an M.P.S. in Business for Art and Design from Maryland Institute College of Art, Angela brings a unique perspective honed over two decades in scientific and creative exploration, spanning academia, pharmaceuticals, communications, marketing and arts administration.

A former member of both the Little Berlin and Grizzly Grizzly artist collectives, Angela's influence extends beyond her individual practice. For nine years, she served as the Curator of the Esther Klein Gallery in Philadelphia, a role where she co-founded the University City Science Center BioArt Residency in 2017 and spearheaded its direction for five years.

Angela's curatorial projects have garnered recognition and support from prestigious institutions such as the Knight Foundation, the Dolfinger McMahon Foundation, The Ratcliffe Center for Creative Entrepreneurship, The Philadelphia Foundation, and The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage. With over 65 curated art exhibitions under her belt, Angela's commitment to showcasing groundbreaking work is unwavering.

Currently, Angela is the proud owner of Chimaera Gallery located in the vibrant neighborhood of East Falls, Philadelphia. Her artistic contributions have earned accolades and featured placements in publications including The New York Times, Forbes, and SciArt in America.

© Angela McQuillan, *Flow State*, Oil and Acrylic on Canvas, 48” x 48”, 2025

Angela McQuillan: Roots of the Infinite Sky

Location: Chimaera Gallery, 3502 Scotts Ln #2113, Philadelphia, PA 19129

Exhibition Dates: October 18 - November 22, 2025

Roots of the Infinite Sky explores the connections between the natural world, the cosmos, and the interior landscapes of the mind. McQuillan draws inspiration from the rhythmic geometry of Australian Aboriginal dot paintings, where intricate patterns carry both story and spirit.

In these works, mountains glow with memory, rivers of color echo shifting thought patterns, and stars reflect the structures of living cells, revealing landscapes that are both physical and spiritual. This series evokes a place where earth, sky and body share the same luminous pulse.

About the show:

https://www.chimaeragallery.com/srsltid=AfmBOook9HpaaIz0agJ1WG_jog0bafyqSlzwCGX0vf4PFly2ft_Wvxn4

© Angela McQuillan, *Cascading Waters*, Oil and Acrylic on Canvas, 23.5” x 31.5”, 2024

To learn more about Angels McQuillan, visit: https://angelamcquillan.com/