Fractal Color Paintings Explore the Dualities of the Human Experience

This article was written for, curated and published by My Modern Met in June 2016. See feature on My Modern Met website HERE.

I Leave You Here by Sheila Dunn

For Sheila Dunn, the urge to explore both the external and internal world is realized through the act of painting. Driven by a deep urge to create, Dunn makes use of this artistic platform to pursue a fascination with the continuous dualities of the human experience. Her resulting moody oil paintings speak to this, delving into the contrast between literal and metaphorical combinations of light and dark in a series of feminine portrayals.

Using fractal shapes incorporated into intimate character sketches, Dunn's paintings integrate concepts of form and one's necessary relationship with the surrounding environment. The figurative series focuses on female subjects and self-portraits, with a distinctive dark and moody feel attached to each piece. Dunn’s intriguing canvases represent a journey of self-discovery towards understanding the required balance in life, communicated through careful brushstrokes and varying color combinations.

Prints of Dunn's work and select paintings are available to purchase through her Etsy shop.