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Shih (Cynthia) Hawkins
A multidisciplinary TasmAsian artist based in Tasmania, Australia.
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About the artist
Shih (Cynthia) Hawkins
About
A multidisciplinary TasmAsian artist based in Tasmania, Australia.
Statement
My name is Shih, though I'm commonly known as Cynthia. As a multidisciplinary artist with Chinese-Malaysian heritage, I migrated to Australia in 2007 and have since embraced every artistic opportunity that comes my way. From a young age, I excelled in art, which set me on my journey. For 20 years, I worked as a professional hairdresser and makeup artist. In 2012, I had the honor of representing Australia at a global makeup competition, where I placed first among 19 competing countries. My passion extends to all forms of creative expression, from 2D art to sculptures, fashion, and wearable art. My diverse experiences across different creative sectors have given me a unique perspective. I always try to see things differently, capturing details that others might miss. I believe there is always something new to learn in both art and life. While one can't simply learn to be distinctive, it's about finding oneself on their artistic journey—a journey I am still very much on.
Education
- 2025Undergraduate in Fine Arts, Curtin University, Perth
Exhibitions
Solo
- 2025The Flight of Nature, Zivah, Stanley, Circular Head, Australia
- 2025Dream on the Apple Isle, The Vault, Wynyard, Australia
Group
- 2018Paper On Skin 2018, Burnie Regional Gallery, Burnie, Australia
- 2020Paper On Skin 2020, Burnie Regional Gallery, Burnie, Australia
- 2022The Henry Jones Art Prize, The Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart, Australia
- 2024Wearable Canvas, Cardinia Gallery, Pakenham , Australia
- 2024Summer Showing, Poimena Art Gallery, Launceston , Australia
- 2025Resurrection - Dark Mofo, The Henry Jones Arts Hotel, Hobart, Australia
- 2025Small Scale Show, RED Gallery, Melbourne , Australia
Recognition
Awards, prizes & residencies
- 2018People Choice , Paper On Skin 2018
- 2019Winner - Haute Couture | Winner - Headpiece | Runner-up Avant Garde, Australian Wearable Art Festival
- 2020Highly Commended , Paper On Skin 2020
- 2021Finalist, Wearable Art Mandurah
- 2021Designer of The Year, Fabric of Multicultural Australia
- 2022Finalist, The Henry Jones Art Prize
- 2023Highly Commended, Burnie Coastal Art Group
- 2023Finalist, Cossack Art Award, Karratha WA
- 2024Winner of Centenary Prize, Rotary Club of Hobart
- 2025Winner - Bookeeping Sculpture Prize, ChARTs Festival
- 2025Major Award Winner (Acquisitive) , Dada Muse Surrealist Art Prize
- 2026Finalist, Paper On Skin 2026
Press & publications
- 021A striking nine-foot artwork is travelling around Burnie to spark difficult conversations, The Advocate
- 2021Wearable art made from paper - Fabrics of Multicultural Australia, National Foundation for Australia-China Relations
- 2021Burnie Works SET ME FREE film, Burnie Works