Shawn O’Hagan

Shawn O’Hagan’s new installation, song: now I am listening is made with 200 pieces of fabric, hand dyed by the artist using plants from her kitchen, backyard, and surroundings on the west coast of Newfoundland. A single plant can generate multiple tones, from different parts (bark, stems, leaves, flowers) and during different seasons. Through this thoughtful and slow-moving process, O’Hagan has developed a deepening awareness and appreciation of place. Each individual cloth, every subtle variation in colour, offers a piece of knowledge. Together, they represent the complexities of our ecosystem and the need for all who share the land to listen.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Shawn O’Hagan has been based in Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland) since 1975. She lives and works on the west coast of the island, dividing her time between her house in Corner Brook and her cabin in Elmastukwek (the Bay of Islands). She has a BFA from the University of Guelph, a B.Ed in Art from the University of Toronto and an MFA , with a specialization in painting, from the University of Waterloo. She has worked with many processes and materials, and for the past 15 years has concentrated on textiles. Solo exhibitions of her work have been held at Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s; Emma Butler Gallery, St. John’s; Grenfell Art Gallery, Memorial University, Corner Brook; and University of Waterloo Gallery, ON.

In 2023, O’Hagan was recognized with the VANL-CARFAC Excellence in Visual Arts Tara Bryan Endurance Award, and was nominated for the Canada Council for the Arts Saidye Bronfman Award. In 2011, she was recognized with the Excellence in Achievement Award from the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador.