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Preview: Nick Sheehy’s “Metamorphosis” at Atomica Gallery

London art space Atomica Gallery is gearing up for the debut solo show of Australian artist and illustrator Nick Sheehy, opening June 12. Sheehy's new series of graphite and watercolor works on paper is dubbed "Metamorphosis," a reference not only to the yarn-like shapes that appear to represent a state of flux in his work, but to the transition between life and death and what lies in between. Skeleton characters are Sheehy's focus, though they take on a humorous and even personable appearance through the artist's caricature-like style. Skulls are exaggerated while the limbs remain an afterthought. Though Sheehy's line work is clean and sophisticated, the proportions of the characters add something childlike to the work. His skeletal beings appear to be experiencing a physical transformation. With fungus and plants springing from their eye sockets, they remind us that death is a part of life.

London art space Atomica Gallery is gearing up for the debut solo show of Australian artist and illustrator Nick Sheehy, opening June 12. Sheehy’s new series of graphite and watercolor works on paper is dubbed “Metamorphosis,” a reference not only to the yarn-like shapes that appear to represent a state of flux in his work, but to the transition between life and death and what lies in between. Skeleton characters are Sheehy’s focus, though they take on a humorous and even personable appearance through the artist’s caricature-like style. Skulls are exaggerated while the limbs remain an afterthought. Though Sheehy’s line work is clean and sophisticated, the proportions of the characters add something childlike to the work. His skeletal beings appear to be experiencing a physical transformation. With fungus and plants springing from their eye sockets, they remind us that death is a part of life.

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