Biography
Born and raised in the Midwest, Delaney MeSun Shin is an interdisciplinary artist whose artwork delves into the intricate depths of her identity. Shin seamlessly intertwines the wonders of various biological imagery into her artwork. From hanging installations to 2D or 3D artworks, her artwork serves as a captivating exploration of her multifaceted identity, intricately interwinding her roots, cultural upbringing, and influence in microbiology.
Drawing inspiration from the natural sciences and her biracial Korean-Caucasian heritage, Shin's visual language resonates with a profound sense of authenticity and self-expression. Taught in drawing and painting, she primarily uses paper to transcend conventional boundaries and create captivating spaces.
Delaney received her MFA at Bowling Green State University with a concentration in two-dimensional studies. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, with a concentration in drawing and an art history minor. She currently teaches 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
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