“SHANTA’s trademark style references nature’s exquisite Fibonacci series, mandalas of intersecting lines, curls of movement and stunning repetitions that create a vortex-like effect. With intricate linework, whorls of colour, graphic visuals and a psychedelic bent, his work captivates and intrigues, while asking the viewer to question everything. And it is this powerful emotive quality that has catapulted him to success.”
H Morgan-Harris, Tortuga Studios
With over 20 years’ experience as a stencil artist, graphic designer and illustrator, Paul Shanta captures a powerful energy in everything he does, from street art to visual branding – and everything in between. Inspired by tribalism, mythology and a sense of ‘the other’, his style is testament to his New Zealand heritage and his deep respect for Maori culture. His work expresses a rich cultural beat, fine lines that intersect and repeat as a sacred geometry that draws you into another realm. Exhibited across Australia, SHANTA’s work is also regularly seen across Sydney’s cityscape, as street art, branding for small bars and restaurants, at markets, in store, as paste-ups, and included in cult tome, CUT: 10 Years of The Stencil Art Prize.
A long career as a commercial graphic artist for high-profile clients – Winc, MTC Australia, Rocks Brewing Co. Westpac – has given SHANTA an exceptional skillset across multiple mediums, including broad-spectrum collateral and marketing assets, visual strategy, branding consultation, business identity design and visual aesthetics. But at the heart of his contemporary artistic practice is a deep passion for what his does, which translates into every element of his practice, from delicate line drawings of native animals to acclaimed stencils of the Dalai Lama, from skateboards with monikers to phone cases, and beach towels you’ll never want to lose.
Based in Winmalee, in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, SHANTA works with multiple arts organisations, including Tortuga Studios, Join The Dots, aMBUSH Gallery, Chrissie Cotter Gallery, Gaffa Gallery and Sydney Fringe Festival to name a few.
Find out more about what he’s up to here, or get in touch here.
SHANTA’S CLIENTS
Exhibition History
• In the Night Garden - Aurora - Tortuga Studios - Group Exhibition - Australia 2018
• Fake - Tortuga Studios - Group Exhibition - Australia 2018
• Stencil Art Prize - Noosa Regional Art Gallery, Australia 2018
• Stencil Art Prize - Muswellbrook Regional Art Centre, Australia 2018
• For Syria's Children, Fundraising Exhibition, Besser Space, Australia 2017
• Stencil Art Prize - Sydney Fringe Festival, Stirrup Gallery Australia 2017
• With a Rebel Yell - Group Show, Tortuga Studios, Australia 2017
• Stencil Art Prize - Sydney Fringe Festival, Off-Broadway Festival Hub, Australia 2016
• Stencil Art Prize - aMBUSH Gallery, Australia 2015
• Stencil Art Prize - aMBUSH Gallery, Australia 2014
• Stencil Art Prize - Chrissie Cotter Gallery, Australia 2013
• Australia Stencil Art Prize - Chrissie Cotter Gallery, Australia 2012
• Let Me Tell You A Story - Tortuga Studios - Group Exhibition - Australia 2012
• Analog - Tortuga Studios - Group Exhibition - Australia 2012
• Painting Grounds - Tortuga Studios - Group Exhibition - Australia 2011
• Australia Stencil Art Prize - The Outpost Project - Cockatoo Island, Australia 2011
• Day of the Dead - Tortuga Studios - Group Exhibition - Australia 2011
• ONE X ONE X ONE - Lo-Fi Collective Sydney, No Vacancy Gallery Melbourne & 19Karen Gallery
The Gold Coast - A Three Sixty Project Skate Deck Exhibition Australia 2011
• Easy Speak - Tortuga Studios, Australia 2011
• Interwoven III, Design Institute of Australia, Gaffa Gallery - 2011
• Sidewayz Art Exhibition - The National Grid Gallery, Australia 2011
• Expo for Mattia - Naples, Italy 2011
• Australian Stencil Art Prize - Oh Really Gallery, Australia 2010
• Expo for Mattia, Naples, Italy - 2010
• Nocturnal Dreaming - Plump Gallery, Australia 2010
• Still Life - An Art Auction Fundraiser for FBi Radio, Art Gallery of NSW, Australia 2010
• Beware Mortality - The Wall, World Bar, Australia 2010
• Australian Stencil Art Prize Finalist 2010
• Made In Sydney - The Wall, World Bar - Viewers Choice Prize Awarded 2010
• Solo Show - Corridor Bar, Australia 2010
• Shanta Stencils with Love & Hate Clothing - Group show - 7th Chamber Gallery - New Zealand 2009
Publications
• Cut - 10 Years of the Stencil Art Prize - Sept 2021
• The Express - Local Newspaper Canterbury Bankstown Council - Sept 2016
• The Torch - Local Newspaper Canterbury Council - Oct 2015
• The Torch - Local Newspaper Canterbury Council - Oct 2014
• Rah Collective Book, Volume 2 - 2012
• One x One x One - 2011
• 3D World - 2010
Festivals
• EDGE Greenway - Inner West Council - May 2022
• Walk the Walls Cronulla - Sutherland Shire Council - Nov 2019
Workshops
• Street Art Workshop - The Junction Neighbourhood Centre - May 2022
• Street Art Workshop - Haberfield Public School - June 2021
• Artist Talk / Workshop - Haberfield Public School - Sept 2017