Joseph McKay

Joseph McKay is an Associate Professor of New Media at Purchase College (SUNY), specializing in interactive art-games and digital media. He holds a BFA from Nova Scotia College of Art & Design (1993) and an MFA from UC Berkeley (2007), with additional studies at the Whitney Independent Study Program (2000-2001). His work bridges fine art and playful interactivity, focusing on video games as modern storytelling mediums. He teaches courses like Experimental Game Lab, Programming for Visual Artists, and Physical Computing.

Key research areas include VR/AR development, computational art, and the intersection of technology with everyday life. Notable projects include Awwful Tree Farmer (2024), Peckish (2023), and Zamboni Simulator. He has exhibited widely, including at MoMA, Berkeley Art Museum, and The Wrong Biennale. Awards include the Juanita & Joseph Leff Distinguished Professorship (2016–17) and the Eisner Award (2006).

As an educator, he emphasizes hands-on technical skills and conceptual innovation. His exhibitions often explore themes like environmental interaction, surveillance, and playful critique of technology. He previously taught at UC Berkeley, Stanford, and Diablo Valley College, and directed the Woodstock Digital Media Festival (2011–2012).