Biography
Born and raised in the Midwest, Delaney MeSun Shin is an interdisciplinary artist whose work delves into the complex layers of her personal and cultural identity. Shin’s practice seamlessly fuses biological imagery with themes of heritage, creating a dynamic interplay between science and art. Whether through immersive installations or 2D and 3D compositions, her work offers a compelling exploration of identity, weaving together her roots, cultural experiences, and her deep interest in microbiology.
Drawing from both the natural sciences and her biracial Korean-Caucasian background, Shin's artistic voice carries a sense of authenticity and deep self-reflection. Her mastery in drawing and painting allows her to use paper as a versatile medium, pushing its boundaries to create evocative and immersive spaces.
Delaney earned her MFA in two-dimensional studies from Bowling Green State University and her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where she specialized in drawing and minored in art history. She is currently shaping future generations of artists through her teaching at Francis Marion University.
Statement
Back when tigers smoked the pipe is a phrase my grandparents are just as familiar with as I am with Once upon a time. These beginnings of folk stories have been lost and forgotten in many mixed-race families. Stories passed down orally connect strings of meaning inherited by the generations following. Heritage, rituals, and values compose these stories, shaping each generation's learning and understanding of their histories. Coming from two different cultural backgrounds, Asian and Caucasian, I grew up in a household that did not share common knowledge of the related cultural norms. I have often felt like an anomaly or white-passing minority in a liminal space of comfortable vulnerability. Still, I embrace and love my biracial heritage and want to share my interpretations with others who may find meaning in similar circumstances. Through hanging objects in open environments, drawings, and paintings, I share how my artwork is a way to explore the interconnections of feeling as if I'm not being fully seen and accepted.
My artwork creates a story of the relationship between transcultural fluidity and identity with paper as a predominant medium. Paper, a starting point for many artists' earliest creative encounters, acts as a conduit for our sketches, messages, and more. Paper acts as a shapeshifter with its physical ability to mold, fold, or sculpt. Shapeshifting is a characteristic that many multiracial individuals carry; shapeshifting between identifies with multiple and oftentimes concealed layers. When we can take time to understand the values of other individuals, more layers start to be unveiled. I invite viewers to reflect on their identities as they see how I have exposed the layers of my cultural heritage.
Full CV is available upon request
Thank you!