Kay Mclafferty (b. 1989, Glasgow, Scotland) is an artist based in Dundee, working across sculpture, painting, drawing and collage. Her practice develops abstract compositions through systems of coded language, using binary and Morse code to translate words into patterns. Working with MDF, house paint, acrylic, paper and found materials, Mclafferty combines structured systems with experimentation in colour, scale, material and arrangement.
Mclafferty’s process begins with words, often drawn from the Scots language she uses in everyday life. Translated into code and repeated across a grid, the resulting sequence becomes the underlying structure of the work. From this fixed pattern, compositions develop through repetition and the accumulation of individual elements, with circles forming a recurring visual and material language. While the coded word remains embedded within the work, its original meaning is secondary to the transformation of language into visual and physical form. The repetitive construction of each work introduces precision and risk, while providing a meditative rhythm through its labour.
Mclafferty graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, University of Dundee, in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Fine Art, receiving First Class Honours. Her work has been exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh; New Glasgow Society, Glasgow; Dundee Botanic Gardens; and Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Dundee. Her work is held in public and private collections in Scotland. In 2025, she founded HARD BOILED, an independent online art gallery, alongside her studio practice.
Artist Resume
Kay Mclafferty
Born in 1989 in Glasgow, Scotland
Resides and works in Dundee, Scotland
Founder and Director, Hard Boiled (online art gallery)
July 2025 - Present | www.hardboiledart.co.uk
Established and manage HARD BOILED, an independent online art gallery showcasing contemporary works and printed reproductions.
Education/training:
2022-2025: First Class Honours Degree Contemporary Art Practice, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, University of Dundee, Scotland
2018-2022: Contemporary Art Practice, Intro - HND, Dundee and Angus college, Dundee, Scotland
Curated Exhibitions:
2025 The15th Haal, Harbourside grain store, Portsoy, Aberdeenshire
Selected group exhibitions:
2025 Ower the Gairden Dyke, Macro Micro Studio, Dundee Botanic Gardens, Scotland
2025 Cianalas Collective, Long Spoon Exhibition, New Glasgow Society, Glasgow
2025 Degree Show 2025, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, University of Dundee, Scotland
2024 Visual Arts Scotland Centenary Exhibition, Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh, Scotland
2023 Postcerds Fae Dundee, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Dundee, Scotland
2023 The good, the bic and the ugly, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, University of Dundee, Scotland
2023 What are we going to do with this pile of shite, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, University of Dundee, Scotland
Selected collections:
REACH - Intensive Support to Young People and Families, Perth, Scotland
Osteria BAUBAU, Perth, Scotland
Private collection, Dundee, Scotland
Private collection, Fowlis, Scotland
Private collection, Fife, Scotland
Awards:
2023 Postcerds Fae Dundee Winner, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Dundee, Scotland
2022 Art and Design Award Winner, Dundee and Angus college, Dundee, Scotland
2021 Art and Design Award Winner, Dundee and Angus college, Dundee, Scotland
2020 Art and Design Award Winner, Dundee and Angus college, Dundee, Scotland