Shanel Kerekes is a painter from Buffalo, New York. As a graduate of Villa Maria College, she majored in Integrated Arts and obtained a BFA degree in 2019. Born in Buffalo, New York in 1997, the practice of painting was introduced to the artist as a child by her grandfather, who often created portraits as a leisurely activity. Kerekes gave painting a chance, and it quickly turned into a passion. She became inspired by the work of contemporary artist Kiki Smith and surrealist painter Salvador Dali. Photorealism is the style that she continuously aspires to achieve in her work.
Kerekes was exposed to a culturally diverse environment early in life, which later instilled a fascination towards individuality, preestablished societal standards, and the ever-changing dynamic between the two. These interests have influenced the desire to create her work. As a biracial woman in today's world, Kerekes uses the tribulations that they are confronted with in attempt to build a visual representation of the many obstacles that women and minorities may face. These may include objectification, discrimination, sexualization, and exploitation. In an artist statement from 2020 she writes:
"Within my mind, there is a constant search for the reason why societal standards exist differently for specific genders and how they have become determined. I find myself striving to build an answer of my own based on observation and personal interaction. My work is largely an attempt to question common norms and bring attention to how they affect individuals differently based on their unique characteristics. More specifically, I most often choose to represent the female perspective of life. Using stereotypical feminine imagery, sacred geometry, and various painting methods, I attempt to challenge the established perceptions of gender and power. Personally, the lines between such are extremely blurred and do not carry a distinct direction for either the female or male population. There's only a level of neutrality and equality present. Although the world says differently at times, society is progressing in a way of thinking that is more inclusive. Even though that is what I admire most, it is the portion I do not desire to focus on through my work. Rather, my content aims towards the negative aspects of what it is to be a woman and to bring awareness towards what it may take to reside as one in today's society."
For more information about the artist visit: shanelkerekesart.com