In my art practice, I turn my life’s stories into captivating visual tales. Like pages torn from an intimate diary, my artworks tell all my secrets. I love to dance between the real and surreal, manipulating familiar subject matter as a gateway to the imagination.
As I dive into the human experience, I catch both the highs and lows that shape our lives. I think of my art as a mirror – it reflects the joy and struggle we all go through. When you look at my work, it’s not just about what I see – it’s about what you see. I want you to interpret, connect and insert your own story within the blank spaces of my compositions.
Image credit: Sarah Campbell
Drawing inspiration from personal experiences, Manitzky's art practice is reminiscent of an intimate "Dear diary". Dipping in between the real and surreal, her intricately detailed portraits invite viewers to create their own story.
Through her introspective examination of the human condition, Manitzky explores both the joys and challenges that shape our existence, offering a relatable and moving commentary on the complexities of life. Manitzky's art encourages introspection and self-discovery, making it a deeply personal and thought-provoking experience for viewers.
Shanay Manitzky is a multi-disciplinary artist and art teacher living in the picturesque Fraser Coast, QLD, Australia. Her love for the arts and sharing knowledge led her to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Art, graduating in 2013, followed by a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) in 2014.
As a full-time artist, Manitzky’s work has been exhibited in various solo and group exhibitions both in Australia and internationally. Her passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom, as she also conducts workshops and shares her skills with aspiring artists.
Shanay Manitzky is managed by Aspire Gallery in Paddington, Brisbane. https://www.aspiregallery.com.au/
Australian contemporary figurative artist
Artist CV
EDUCATION
2014 - Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary), University of Auckland, Auckland, NZ
2013 - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Fine Arts, Whitecliffe College of Fine Arts, Auckland, NZ
AWARDS
2024 Finalist, Omnia Art Prize
2023 Finalist, Foot Square Art Prize
2023 Finalist, Bluethumb Art Prize
2023 Winner, Aspects Art Show (Drawing section)
2023 Finalist, Lethbridge 2000 – Salon de refuse
2023 Finalist, Petite Pieces
2022 Finalist, Bluethumb Art Prize
CURATOR
2024 Selfsameness, Gatakers Artspace, Maryborough, AUS
2022 In Colour, Gatakers Artspace, Maryborough, AUS
2022 Full view, Brolga Theatre, Maryborough, AUS
2019 Endangered, Maryborough Art Society Art Gallery, Maryborough, AUS
2018 Plastic Pollution, Maryborough Art Society Art Gallery, Maryborough, AUS
RESIDENCIES
2024 Dear Diary - Artist in residence, Gatakers Creative Space, Maryborough, AUS
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2022 Mid-Sentence, Gatakers Artspace, Maryborough, AUS
SELECT GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2024 Omnia Art Prize, St Kevins College, Victoria, AUS
2023 Echo, Side Gallery, Brisbane, AUS
2023 Foot Square Art Prize, Aspire Gallery, Brisbane, AUS
2023 Surface, Art Lovers Australia, Melbourne, AUS
2023 Downlands Art Show, Downlands College, Toowoomba, AUS
2023 Aspects Art Show, Goondiwindi Showgrounds, Goondiwindi, AUS
2023 Petite Pieces, Aspire Gallery, Brisbane, AUS
2022 Inverell Art Prize, Inverell Art Gallery, Inverell, AUS
2022 Downlands College Art Show, Downlands College, Toowoomba, AUS
2022 Little Feature, Aspire Gallery, Brisbane, AUS
2022 Maryborough Art Society Annual Exhibition, Gatakers Art Space, Maryborough, AUS
2020 CQ Stories without words, Gladstone Hospital, Gladstone, AUS
2020 Females to the Front!, Lewis Gallery, Hervey Bay, AUS
2017 Creative Mirror, Thievery Studio, Auckland, NZ & Crisp Creative Studios, Sydney, AUS
2016 Poona Art Show, Poona, AUS
2015 Maryborough Art Festival, Maryborough, AUS
2014 Mount Albert Grammar Fine Art Show, Mount Albert Grammar, Auckland, NZ
2013 Whitecliffe College of Fine Arts Graduation Show, Whitecliffe College of Fine Arts, Auckland, NZ
2013, Un-hung, Pearce Gallery, Auckland, NZ
2012, Trinket, Lazy Last Sundays Festival, Auckland, NZ
2012, Orphaned By Purpose, Pearce Gallery, Auckland, NZ
2011, Dig My Soul, The Loft. Auckland, NZ
2010, Fraser Coast Art Awards, Maryborough Showgrounds, Maryborough, AUS
PUBLICATIONS AND INTERVIEWS
Curated by Sariah, New Beginnings, Issue #2, 2023 p. 31-33
Scene Magazine, Telling stories through sketches, December, 2022 p. 2-3 Read here
Alive Magazine, Putting pen to paper, Issue #21 April, 2022 p. 20-21 Read here
Art Edit Magazine, In conversation with, Issue #31 – Winter, 2022 p. 106-107 Read here
The Beacon Magazine, Shanay’s Art Studio Presents Endangered, Issue #7 - November, 2019 p. 26-29
Fraser Coast Chronicle, Students cheer for house mascot murals, July 4, 2019 Read here
Fraser Coast Herald, Rec Centre gets mural makeover, May 16, 2019
WIN News, The Crest, March 29, 2019
Fraser Coast Regional Council, Maryborough Crest unveiling, March 28, 2019 Watch here
The Beacon Magazine, Painting a brighter future, Issue #2 - December, 2018 p.22-23, 28-29
Fraser Coast Chronicle, Rubbish finds new life as art, December 6, 2018
7 Wide Bay News, Whipcracker mural, June 25, 2018 Watch here
COMMISSIONS
Maryborough Community Recreation Centre, 2019
Exterior painting on marine ply, 20 x 1.8 metres. Located at Cnr Ariadne &, Woodstock St, Maryborough QLD.
Commissioned by Fraser Coast Regional Council
Faith, strength, and courage, 2019
Exterior paint on aluminium panels. 3 x 3 metres. Located at Maryborough Town Hall Green, QLD.
Commissioned by Fraser Coast Regional Council
Whipcracker, 2018
Exterior painting on brick wall. Located at 144 Bazaar Street, Maryborough, QLD.
Artwork donated by artist
Works held in private collections in Australia and New Zealand.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Flying Arts Alliance
Maryborough Art Society
Queensland Art Teachers Association
Image credit: Jessica Gunn
Image credit: Jessica Gunn