He's been revered and mocked, emulated and ridiculed, and called everything from a visionary to a lunatic.
But Ronald McDonald's contribution to the world of contemporary art has been undeniable, and Friday, April 5, he will be honored as UB's Artist of the Year in a ceremony to be held in the Drama Theater of the Center for the Arts.
In the closest vote in the history of UB's Arts Council, a panel composed of 20 full-time professors and five graduate student representatives, McDonald edged out current leaders in the art field such as Joseph Kosuth and Cornelia Parker.
The decision was not an easy one, according to Linda Yaw, a printmaking professor and avid McDonald supporter.
"Several professors felt very strongly opposed to giving such an honor to a controversial artist like Ronald. But he has been a powerhouse in the last year, and his contributions far outweigh those of his contemporaries," Yaw said.
UB was fortunate enough to receive a collection of McDonald's work, which will be on display in the downstairs gallery of the CFA, beginning Friday April 5 and continuing through Friday April 19.
In one striking piece, titled "Big Mac and Large Fries," McDonald bucks the notion of using traditional media, opting instead for a completely organic palate.
This avant-garde sculpture is in fact, composed of two all-beef patties, lettuce, several varieties of bread, and what McDonald describes as a "special sauce," which seems to be little more than some type of thousand island dressing.
"Big Mac and Large Fries" is McDonald's expression of the angst he feels over the corporate control of the small chain of restaurants with which he is affiliated. This restaurant chain has slowly gained popularity in the past few years, and as McDonald sold more stock, he felt less control over his contribution to food service.
"Those corporate fools have taken something that was pure: the desire to make nutritious foods for the busy American public, and turned it into straight-up hype," McDonald said.
The "hype" McDonald is so adamant about seems to be the marketing of his signature style. Nearly always seen in a red-and-white striped unitard, and a yellow, collared shirt, McDonald has watched his style appear on fashion runways in Paris, right down to his fiery red curly hair, and oversized red shoes.
"I used to be a trendsetter, an original. Now, I'm just one of the crowd," McDonald said.
Due in part to these rugged good looks and such a dashing sense of style, McDonald was made spokesperson for the restaurant and appeared in several commercials, employing the help of a few longtime friends as extras.
Even these longtime friends have found themselves under fire from the media for their involvement with such a high-profile artist and entrepreneur.
Jon Grimace and Peter Hamburglar have remained close with McDonald in spite of the publicity their friend attracts. They say it's only natural with such a well-known artist, but it has put a strain on their relationship at times.
"It's tough, because the press is always hounding us for the inside scoop on Ron. It's understandable, because he is, after all a genius, but at a point, it becomes ridiculous," said Grimace.
Hamburglar had a different opinion, as his involvement with McDonald nearly got him in trouble with the law.
"It's invasive," said Hamburglar. "The media tried to frame me for several thefts in the restaurant. My only crime is my friendship with Ron, and my love of hamburgers."
Despite the media attention, corporate fiascos and harrowing past, McDonald's true love and main focus has remained his art.
"No matter what has happened in my life, I have always had sculpture and painting to fall back on. At times my ideas are too controversial for the critics, and I respect that, but for me, my ideas are my life," said McDonald.
McDonald said he feels honored to receive such an award from a university with UB's artistic acumen. McDonald understands it was a close vote and a tough decision.
Directly following the ceremony on Friday night there will be a reception, catered by McDonald's own restaurant. Big Macs will not be offered, however, as McDonald does not want the guests to mistakenly eat his art.
