Biography
Shelley-Anne Graham is a mixed media artist working from the seaside town of Nelson Mandela Bay. After graduating Shelley-Anne later went on to teach art in Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Britain for 18 years. This was a safe career path but after a life altering emotional encounter with grief, following the passing of her husband in 2016, Shelley-Anne was led to pick up a paintbrush full time.
Education
Shelley-Anne studied Fine Art at Port Elizabeth (PE) Technikon.
Subject Matter
Artworks by Shelly-Anne Graham are dual in nature. Graham uses the feminine as muse to capture the essence of beauty; while simultaneously using art as a conduit for human emotions of hope and loss that emerge from grief. Loss, not as an ending but as a source from which her creative calling was birthed. Speaking through art on behalf of the human condition, Graham echoes a reminder of existences that are fleeting and transient, owed the inevitable beacon of our mortal materiality. Hers is the message of making it count and taking the chance, even with fear in your heart.
Exhibition History
2022 – ‘Vivid Identity’, Artyli Gallery, Sandton, Johannesburg
2020 – Art@Africa/, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
2020 – ‘Reset’, Artyli Gallery, virtual exhibition, Johannesburg
2019- Art on Target, Target Kloof, Port Elizabeth
2019 – Kamers Makers, Blaaukippen Vineyards, Stellenbosch
2019 – Art Meander, Kragga Kamma, Port Elizabeth
2018 – Nelson Mandela Bay Pop-up, Marine Drive, Port Elizabeth
2017 – Homemakers, William Moffat, Port Elizabeth
2016 – Wild Whimsy Wonder/Mackay Str, Port Elizabeth
2016 – GFI Gallery, Park Drive, Port Elizabeth