Shaun Devenney, who has painted a number of impactful murals across Paisley, is showcasing a series of works which reflect the decay of modern life.
An artist who has made an indelible mark on Paisley has opened his first exhibition at a Glasgow gallery.
Shaun Devenney, who has painted a number of impactful murals across Paisley, is showcasing a series of works which reflect the decay of modern life.
Dubbed Decade Decayed, the exhibition features six oil paintings which collectively explore the collapse of societal institutions, norms and values.
The 30-year-old – who has garnered a reputation for street art and murals both in Glasgow and Paisley – says his recent work questions meaning in modern life in Scotland and across the UK.
Commenting on the work, which is on display in the Grateful Gallery, Shaun said: “In Decade Decayed, I’ve continued themes from my previous work, including everyday life set against ruin, where many of us look away from harsh realities, at home and abroad.
“It also asks why some of us still hold onto traditions even when their original purpose is gone.”
One of the paintings going on display as part of the exhibition is an adaptation of Shaun’s newest mural on Union Street in Glasgow, featuring waving clowns marching below flags.
It is a work Shaun believes reflects on conformity, while the viewer considers what becomes of us if we blindly follow others.
It follows on from Shaun’s impactful painting on the billboards on Neilston Road in which he highlights efforts to divert people’s gaze away from the horrors of Gaza.
He added: “While the show might make people feel a little uneasy, it could also make them feel a little reflective, and maybe they’ll find humour in it.
“If it causes people to be just a little kinder, take a break from their phones, and find a real connection, it will have been a success. The exhibition is free and I’d encourage anyone to attend, especially if they’ve never been to a show before.
“The Grateful Gallery is working hard to make art accessible and of interest to everyone. There are stereotypes about who art is for, but I hope Decade Decayed can dispel some of those.”
Shaun, who was born in and continues to live in Paisley, has long been making his mark on the town.
His works include the mural beside the SPAR shop on Rowan Street of James Goodfellow, a former neighbour who is credited with inventing the personal identification number (PIN).
He also recreated an old black-and-white picture of children playing in Paisley which he painted in colour in Lady Lane.
OhPandah, who is a founder of the Grateful Gallery that opened in June on Hill Street, close to the Glasgow School of Art, said: “I’ve known Shaun and his work for years and was really happy to see him return to Glasgow after honing his craft in Melbourne for a few years.
“We spoke online a lot about painting the streets in Glasgow, so it was amazing to see him get right in about it when he returned and began painting large-scale murals across the city.
“All three of us in the gallery have been in awe of these street pieces, so when we started to open the gallery, he was high on our list of artists we wanted to work with.
“Massive congratulations to Shaun for all his hard work, we’re really excited for this show.”
The show is open until Sunday, October 12. Prints will be on sale at the venue at Grateful Gallery and on the venue’s website.
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