Suburbs Gallery Solo Highlight no 17

Shayni is a remarkable artist whose work delves deeply into the human experience, exploring themes of identity, empathy, and isolation. Her art transcends the superficial boundaries between individuals, revealing the interconnectedness of all human beings. Each of her paintings, regardless of the number of characters or their physical attributes, is a profound self-portrait, reflecting the universal emotions and experiences that bind us together.

Shayni's perspective is one of profound empathy. She perceives every individual in this world as an extension of herself, feeling their joys and sorrows as her own. This extraordinary sense of connection can be both a gift and a burden, making the act of observing others an intense and deeply personal experience. In her words, living in this world is akin to watching a movie where one immerses themselves in a character to understand and feel their journey. Shayni's art captures this immersion, inviting viewers to step into the lives of her subjects and experience their emotions firsthand.

Our appreciations

Loneliness

In her piece "Loneliness" (2024), Shayni powerfully portrays the struggle with inner fears and isolation. The artwork depicts a figure in a fetal position, accompanied by a spider that symbolizes the fears keeping her trapped in loneliness. This pose, reminiscent of a child in the womb, reflects a universal response to fear and the search for security. Shayni's own experiences with anxiety and panic attacks resonate in this piece, capturing the visceral reality of falling to the floor, legs tucked in, seeking solace in a vulnerable moment. The spider in "Loneliness" is a quiet, unobtrusive presence, embodying the silent yet pervasive fears that can paralyze us. Through this subtle yet powerful imagery, Shayni conveys the profound impact of fear on our lives and the difficulty of overcoming it. Her art does not shout; it speaks softly, inviting viewers to listen closely and reflect deeply.

Music of My Soul

In ancient times, the harp symbolized a connection to the spiritual world, harmony, beauty, and art. When the harp player immerses themselves in a state of flow, their physical actions combine with spiritual experience to create unity and harmony. In this piece, the harp becomes a conduit for expressing feelings, thoughts, and emotions through music, helping to find inner peace. Using hair instead of strings conveys the depth of emotions, with each sound attuned to an inner wave. These sounds become the voice of the soul, making the melodies reveal an inner world filled with profound meanings and subtle nuances.

Listen to My Pain

Bloody tears are a vivid symbol of pain, suffering, and despair, representing a person's inner struggle and a cry for help. This symbol emphasizes the depth of suffering and evokes compassion in the viewer. Bloody tears also symbolize sacrifice and the fight against injustice or evil. When words fail, the artist creates. The violin, with its expressive sound, conveys deep emotions, making it an ideal instrument for expressing intense feelings.

I'm Fine

The clothesline in this artwork represents domesticity, family, unity, and solidarity, highlighting the importance of cooperation in relationships. It also personifies the routine that often consumes us. The hanging head on the clothesline metaphorically conveys powerlessness, bitterness, longing, and helplessness from working for the common good, leading to destruction. Bloody tears, strands of hair like marionette strings, and the consuming emptiness all around reflect this helplessness. Despite this, we often say "I'm fine," dry our tears, and continue with the harsh reality of life.

I Need You

This piece explores the destructiveness of love and unity, portraying the unity within oneself and with others that forms a whole heart. Through pain, work, mistakes, acceptance, and non-acceptance, it delves into the complexities of relationships.

Shayni's ability to convey vulnerability and emotional depth through her art is truly exceptional. Her characters, often imbued with feminine energy, allow her to explore themes of sensuality, clarity, and vulnerability with great sensitivity. This connection to female energy enriches her work, making her creations more relatable and emotionally resonant.