Shaina McCoy

Born in 1993 in Minneapolis, MN, and currently based in Los Angeles, Shaina McCoy creates richly hued oil paintings that transform personal and archival photographs into vivid, textured portraits. Her work captures the essence of memory and family, radiating both history and wonder.

"Painting allows me to honor my ancestors and celebrate the beauty of everyday moments."

In her studio, McCoy meticulously applies thick, glossy layers of oil paint to build faceless figures, a technique that renders her subjects both anonymous and universally relatable. Drawing inspiration from her grandfather's photographs, she often begins with personal images, reimagining them on canvas to explore themes of family, memory, and identity.

"Each brushstroke is a tribute to the moments that define us, both big and small."

In ‘Untitled’ (2024), McCoy presents a poignant portrait that encapsulates the warmth and strength of familial bonds. The subjects’ featureless faces invites viewers to see themselves and their loved ones in the work, emphasizing the universal nature of her themes.

McCoy continues to delve into her family's archival photographs, exploring new ways to honor and preserve these memories through her textured, evocative portraits. Her upcoming exhibitions aim to further examine the intersections of personal history and collective experience.

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