A Space Gallery - Sharleen Cu

Sharleen Cu

Wanderlust 2021
Advanced Diploma of Creative Product Development

Hi! My name is Sharleen Cu. I am a Chinese-Filipino mixed media artist based in Melbourne, Australia. I love to explore materials such as Styrofoam, cardboard, newspaper, oil pastel, body paint, plastic toys, and other recyclable materials through my unique style of collage; it harkens back to my urban upbringing in my hometown, Manila.

All my life, my family raised me to wear red since it is an auspicious color for the Chinese. This bold hue, along with the Chinese newspaper collage, is my way of unpacking my childhood that was influenced by the many beliefs and superstitions of my ancestors.

I take inspiration from artists such as Pablo Picasso and David Hockney, who playfully examine life in unexpected angles. This year it is my goal to embrace my individuality and learn how to be proud of my upbringing as a Chinese-Filipino. I aim to explore themes such as identity, culture, and coming-of-age in my work.

You can view more of my artworks at @sharleencu_art

“Angpao” Paper, Oil pastel, and Wood on Cardboard 90 x 61 x 11 cm 2021

“Birthday Noodle” Newspaper, Oil pastel, and Wood on Cardboard 111 x 89 x 5 cm 2021

“Mooncake” Newspaper, Oil pastel, and Wood on Cardboard 79 x 84 x 12 cm 2021

“Cut in Cubes”
Acrylic Paint, Newspaper, Oil pastel, Wood on Cardboard
91 x 80 x 10 cm
2021

“Cut in Cubes”
Side Angle

“Humandemic”
Oil Pastel, Magazine Cuts, Wire, Wood
29.2 x 25.4 x 22.8 cm
2021

“Humandemic”
Detailed Photos

“Peek-a-boo”
Newspaper, Plastic Toys, Styrofoam, Soft Pastel, Wire
47 x 22.8 x 16.5 cm
2021

“Peek-a-boo”
Detailed Photos

“Before 12”
Acrylic Paint, Crayons, Clay, Markers, Paper Mache, Plastic Toys, Wax, Wood
86.3 x 29.2 x 29.2 cm
2021

“Before 12”
Detailed Photos

“Alice”
Coloured Pencil, Magazine Cuts, Newspaper, Playing Cards, Water colour on Paper
29.7 x 42 cm
2021

“Bring Honour to Us All”
Newspaper, Oil Paint, Paper, Plastic, and Wire on Wood Panel
30 x 30 x 4 cm
2021

“Ten Sisters”
Digital Collage
2021

“Forever Golden”
Digital Collage
2021