Stephanie Neville

Stephanie Neville is a South African artist residing in the UAE since 1999 and has completed her Master of Visual Arts at the University of South Africa in 2019. Neville has won various awards and have exhibited internationally, with works in personal and public collections.

With an interest in feminine and environmental issues, Neville explores the concept of sustainability, specifically in terms of the ‘self’ and inter-personal relationships, and the local natural environment. Impacted by the transient lifestyle of the UAE – evident in the migrant working community – Neville’s carefully selected mediums translate the fragility and tension within such relationships. Traditional techniques such as embroidery and crochet became a vehicle to express the boredom and loneliness experienced in a relationship with a frequently absent partner. New media such as smartphone selfies is being examined in terms of virtual communication in long distance relationships. Environmental sustainability is a growing concern, internationally and personally. Being active in the protection of the local UAE mangroves, Neville does site-installations and work with natural found objects to highlight the protection of the natural environment.