Sketchy Shona is Shona Neary, working between Berlin, New York City and Philadelphia in painting, drawing, tattoos and installation. Their work asks what remains human when systems mediate life.
Art, science and technology
Across paintings, installations and digital tools, I follow how matter, bodies and living systems exceed what technology can measure. Read about my practice and materials.
Material studies
digital environments ↔ physical environments · open-source technology · mycelium · SCOBY · organic waste · upcycling · papier-mâché · textiles · metals · building materials · oil paint · aerosols · pastels · charcoal · tattoo ink
Human Cocoon
Human Cocoon began as a drawing of a body folded inside a porous silver form. Its openings shift what the body can see and make the room part of the work. Read the installation record.
Selected work, process and studio images
Sketchy Shona studio installation: Studio view of Sketchy Shona’s figure installation and working space. Artwork: Sketchy Shona (Shona Neary).
Ink figure drawings: Sketchy sketches / figure studies. Artwork: Sketchy Shona (Shona Neary).
Mural painting process: Public work / mural process. Artwork: Sketchy Shona (Shona Neary).
Anceu painted wooden cutout: Anceu residency / Rogelio and the painted wooden cutout. Artwork: Sketchy Shona (Shona Neary).
Half Life painting process: Half Life / making the painting. Artwork: Sketchy Shona (Shona Neary).