Shona Phelan

Statement

I am a painter whose work delves into the complex relationship between femininity and eroticism, drawing from a diverse array of symbols. I am intrigued by the tension between the allure and garishness of artificial beauty and what happens when it is then applied to natural beauty, aiming, with this aesthetic of contrasts, to provoke reflection and discomfort. A central concern in my practice is the marketing of overconsumption, particularly in relation to the sexualisation of the female form, explored through the lens of food photography, especially confectionery. Through this lens, I confront and subvert traditional depictions of the body, encouraging viewers to question cultural ideals and the commodification of desire. Working across a variety of mediums I explore different surfaces, and create textures and renderings for my subject matter. I also use embellishments such as glitter and stickers to play into the concept of hyper femininity.

Images


Course: fine art

Year: 2026

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Photography: Seán Daly