"Feeling fierce" - portrait of woman

Artist statement:
“Will I get through this? Yes, yes, I will.”

This quote from my diary inspired 'Feeling Fierce' which depicts a woman who exudes a powerful sense of determination in the face of adversity. She is a symbol of strength and resilience, standing tall and unbroken. Through the bold, strong lines I convey her unwavering will to overcome any challenge. This artwork is a reminder that when facing a challenge head-on, we can emerge even stronger on the other side.

At the core of my art practice is the act of journaling, where I capture my innermost thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Through my work, I aim to explore themes that are relatable to a broader audience. These themes range from significant life events, such as moving to a new country or battling cancer, to the smaller poignant moments of daily life. By creating art that touches on both the personal and the universal, I strive to connect with viewers on a deeper level and foster a sense of empathy and understanding. Ultimately, my goal is to use my art to encourage reflection, introspection, and a greater appreciation for the human experience.

This artwork was exhibited in my solo exhibition, 'Mid-sentence' at Gatakers Artspace in Maryborough, QLD in 2022.

Drawn with high quality artist pencils on artist paper.

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Shanay Manitzky is an Australian figurative artist whose practice draws inspiration from personal experiences, reminiscent of an intimate “Dear diary”. Her recent works explore the relationship between people and objects, navigating the boundary between the real and surreal.

Manitzky completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Whitecliffe College of Fine Arts & Design, Auckland, NZ in 2013 and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching at University of Auckland in 2014.
She currently teaches Visual Arts & Dance at Aldridge SHS, Maryborough as well as running artist workshops for the Fraser Coast Regional Council.

Manitzky has exhibited her work at numerous galleries including Aspire Gallery, Brisbane, Gatakers Art Space, Maryborough, Art Lovers Australia, Melbourne and Pearce Gallery, NZ.

Manitzky recently won the drawing section in the Aspects Art Show, Goondiwindi (2023), a finalist in the Omnia Art Prize, Melbourne (2024) and the Bluethumb Art Prize (2023, 2022).

Manitzky has been commissioned by the Fraser Coast Regional Council to produce permanent artworks for the Maryborough, QLD.

Shanay Manitzky is represented by Aspire Gallery, Brisbane.