Heralding from the UK, Simon Shingleton began his artistic journey while living in Calabria, Italy, but is now based in Hong Kong. Preferring to work with live models, he is particularly interested in the human face and form and looks to respond to the play of light upon them. He hopes the models see themselves as they know themselves to be when looking at his work.

Though predominantly self-taught, Simon Shingleton has been influenced by the teaching of contemporary, figurative artists Harvey Chan, Noah Buchanan and Martin Campos. He creates using permanent media, thus avoiding any temptation to erase. There is no opportunity for reason or anxiety to prevail over expression. He has recently begun incorporating thick markers into his picture-making to increase the element of risk and exploration. Using electronic music as his soundtrack, he allows his hand and the pen to be guided by instinct and the fast movements become almost a dance. Long, continuous lines are a theme. The work is chaotic but honest. The priority is not to convey a message, but express emotion and help the observer see an individual.