Sharyn Egan
“Fancy That”
Nyoongar Indigenous Australian
When I was a young girl in the
orphanage, the nuns taught us girls to sew. We called it “Fancy Work”. We
embroidered the linen doilies and tablecloths for the white people's fancy
tables. The threads connect the circles, and strengthen the network of the
fragile nature and beauty of the female.
Sharyn Egan is a Nyoongar woman who began creating art at the age of 37.
The themes of Sharyn’s work are informed by the experiences of her life as a Nyoongar woman. Sharyn works in a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture and woven forms using traditional and contemporary fibres.
Sharyn Egan is a Nyoongar woman who began creating art at the age of 37.
The themes of Sharyn’s work are informed by the experiences of her life as a Nyoongar woman. Sharyn works in a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture and woven forms using traditional and contemporary fibres.
Her woven works include traditionally styled contemporary
forms and baskets, as well as sculptural forms often based on flora and fauna
that has totemic significance for the Nyoongar people.
Her work of oils, natural ochres, resins and acrylics on canvas as well as natural fiber woven sculptures is informed by her experience growing up at New Norcia and comments upon the associated trauma, emotions and a deep sense of loss and displacement experienced by Aboriginal people.
Her work of oils, natural ochres, resins and acrylics on canvas as well as natural fiber woven sculptures is informed by her experience growing up at New Norcia and comments upon the associated trauma, emotions and a deep sense of loss and displacement experienced by Aboriginal people.