Sharon Kelly
Kelly’s practice mediates between memory, experience and imagination, working across 2 and 3D processes, including drawing, painting, print, sculpture and installation. Her work is concerned with the body; with marking and mapping both the physical and psychological, exploring themes of fragility, resilience, liminality and transformation. Inspirations come from diverse sources such as anatomy, medicine, dressmaking and sport.
She graduated with BA Fine Art from Ulster University, in 1986 and with MA Fine Art in 1989. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally in curated group and solo exhibitions in Ireland, Europe, USA, and Canada. Recent solo exhibitions include Red-To-Red, The Sunken Gallery, MAC, Belfast, curated by Hugh Mulholland, 2023; Braced, Unit1 Gallery & Workshop, London, curated by Stacie McCormick, 2022; Resting Pressure, FE McWilliam Gallery & Museum, curated by Dr Riann Coulter, 2022.
Fellowships and residencies include, Frans Masereel Centrum, Belgium International Printmaking Residency 2023; Arts Council of Northern Ireland Fellowship at the British School at Rome, Italy 2020, (completed 2023). In 2022 she collaborated with 3 women boxers as part of Creative Residency Sport & Art for Dublin City Council Culture Company. She is the recipient of many prestigious awards including The Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant, USA, 2022; the Arts Council of Northern Ireland International Development Fund Award, 2022. In November 2023, she was awarded the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Major Individual Award, in recognition of her contribution to the arts.
Links:
Artist Interview: SharonKelly: Red-To-Red
