BIOGRAPHY

Sharon Kenny is an American painter known for navigating a dynamic interplay between contemporary and classical art. Born into a family of artists, she was introduced to the art world early on, accompanying her mother and grandmother to art classes and exhibitions at The Harrisburg Art Association. This familial immersion instilled in her a deep appreciation for honest expression and vulnerability in her work.

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Kenny pursued formal education at Moore College of Art & Design, focusing on design and printmaking. Encouraged by her fine art professors, she delved deeper into painting, evolving her style from fractured natural and light compositions to more raw, expressive marks. Her work spans both modern and semi-contemporary sensibilities, aiming to evoke memory through the use of color.

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Throughout her career, Kenny has developed several notable series. The "Oaxaca" series, inspired by the stark light and sharp shadows of the Mexican city, reflects a period of personal transformation, challenging perceptions of stability. The "White Whale" series emerged during her mother's final days, translating profound personal loss into abstract forms and marks. In the "Herculaneum" series, initiated during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenny draws parallels between ancient tragedies and contemporary experiences, using colors and floor plans from the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum to convey the fragility of life.

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Kenny's work has been featured in various exhibitions and has garnered attention for its bold and atmospheric qualities. She continues to create and explore new themes, inviting viewers to engage deeply with the emotions and stories conveyed through her art.