Chad McCail's series of works uses a simplified graphic language aided by text to address the history of mandatory schooling. The artist's goal is to present a work that asks these students to reflect on and reevaluate the nature of their personal experience at a time when the worth of mandatory schooling is undisputed.

Chad McCail, born 1961

Chad McCail, born in England, studied English at the University of Kent from 1979 to 1983, and then fine art at Goldsmiths' College from 1986 to 1989. McCail is particularly interested in the connections between sexual repression, brutality, and totalitarian obedience. He explores these themes by portraying a peaceful world devoid of repression and violence, as well as by using storyboards to explain oppression mechanisms. McCail's brightly coloured paintings are inspired by children's book illustrations and are laid out in a simple and didactic way. His solo exhibitions include: Systemic, Northern Gallery of Contemporary Art, Sunderland (2010); We are not dead, Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow (2006) and Food, Shelter, Clothing, Fuel, Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore (2004) His many group show appearances included Performance collaboration, Centre for Contemporary Arts, Glasgow, 1992; Billboard and Performance, Aerial, Edinburgh, 1994; Drawings, The Bongo Club, Edinburgh, 1996; Evolution is not over yet, Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh, 1999; and British Art Show 5 tour and Protest & Survive, Whitechapel Gallery, both 2000.