Shelley Watters (she/they) (b 1981) is an emerging artist and curator who resides and creates on the unceded lands of the Gadigal and Wangal peoples. Their practice is driven by an expansive, action-led approach, often taking shape in community contexts. Working fluidly across installation, sculpture, performance, photo media, textiles, sound and video to investigate entanglement and repair.
In November 2023 she presented Safe Space, an installation exploring gender-based violence at 107, Redfern, assisted by the City of Sydney and 107. In 2024, she presented COMPOST IS SO HOT at Airspace Projects, was a finalist in the Mullins Conceptual Photography Prize and was shortlisted for the Incinerator Art Award: Art for Social Change. Their work has been included in group shows at Articulate Project Space, Scratch Art Space, George Paton Gallery and Verge Gallery.
Watters is a mother to three children, recently identified as autistic and holds a BVA from Sydney College of the Arts. Alongside their art practice, their professional career spans more than 20 years with roles in the arts, entertainment, and non-profit sectors, she currently holds the position of Programs Manager, First Nations art, at the Art Gallery of NSW.