Artist Statement
Shay Salehi (she/her) is an interdisciplinary New York based artist exploring the complexities of human to nonhuman relationships.
Anchored by a passion against animal exploitation, Shay investigates the framework that enforces human superiority and the ownership and capitalization of non-human animal bodies. Her practice is a visual metaphor that analyzes outdated habits and challenges normative societal structures. Through this work, she provides the audience with an opportunity to contemplate themes such as dominance, domestication and the experience of deciphering our ethical standards.
In 2020, Shay received a BFA from the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCADU) in Sculpture and Installation. Previous to OCADU, Shay studied glasswork at Sheridan College (2011-2014), and continues to make sculptural glasswork. In 2023, she completed an MFA in Fine Art at Parsons New School in Manhattan, New York.