Preserving The Past

Born in 1969, Sharon is a York based artist strongly influenced by past experiences, current social issues with a hint of nostalgia.  Sharon uses a variety of medium from spray paint and emulsion, to plaster and items that have been rescued and ‘acquired’ from undisclosed locations.  Sharon’s work takes on many forms including large murals, paintings, drawings and 3D pieces.  Known for her love of prawns and, more recently, pigeons, her work can range from the bright and colourful to dark and slightly offputting – a bit like her life experiences.  Sharon’s unusual career history has definitely shaped her outlook on life which in turn is reflected in her work…not in the way you’d expect, as, let’s be honest, drawing dead bodies (Police Forensic Artist) and working within end of life care would probably take an artist to a whole new level of darkness. More in a non-conformist, dark humor kind of way. Sharon has been involved with community arts projects for many years, working with disadvantaged young people, young offenders and community support groups and strives to give the otherwise ‘invisible’ underdogs a voice through creativity and a freedom to express themselves, something that is difficult to do in today’s society.

A life-long passion for urban exploration and skip raiding sees rescued fragments of decaying debris and old newspapers being repurposed, alongside spray paint, cement and other recycled materials.  Connecting past memories to the present – a confrontation between the past with present day graffiti and mark making.  Peeling wallpaper in an abandoned house, layers of memories from each generation that once lived there.

You can find out more at www.sharonmcdonagh-artist.co.uk

Instagram:  www.instagram.com/sharonmcdonagh_artist