Shawne Major, a contemporary artist born in New Iberia, Louisiana, has garnered recognition for her assemblage artworks that explore the complexities of human existence. With an educational background in the arts, including a BFA from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and an MFA from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, Major's career spans over two decades.
Her artistic journey involves the transformation of discarded everyday objects, such as power cords, jewelry, toys, and string, into thought- provoking compositions. Major's creations serve as metaphors for the accumulation and organization of life experiences, touching on themes of pain, happiness, loss, guilt, and shame.
One of her distinctive series includes 11 pieces where found objects aremeticulously sewn onto plush toy "skins," which have been unstuffed and flattened. This unique approach captures intangibles like love, success, or fulfillment and immortalizes them on gallery walls. Additionally, Major has integrated dresses saturated with the expectations and lived experiences of both herself and her daughter into five of these pieces, creating a powerful narrative.
Shawne Major's abstract artworks delve into the individual's perception of reality, with her Misdirection theme prompting contemplation about the nature of truth and diversion. Her art has found a home in prestigious collections, including the Hilliard Museum of Art, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the US Embassy in Brazzaville, Congo.