Shaun Ellison, US Open, Federer vs. Nadal, 2025; Hand-Embellished, Signed, and Numbered Limited Edition Print
What began as a tool to process Shaun Ellison’s relationship to tennis has grown into a vibrant, evocative practice that captures the spontaneity and frailty of groups, success, and failure in sport. Born in South Africa and based in Brooklyn, New York, the artist brings unity to the inherent contradictions of tennis and its history. Within his works, color, expressive composition, and unexpected figures become means by which he comments on the diversity, rigor, and growth of sport and its cultural legacy. Ellison studied at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the School of Visual Arts, and the New York Studio School. While at Louisiana Lafayette, he played for the school’s Division 1 tennis team before competing professionally on the ATP Tour. The artist has presented solo exhibitions at Taymour Grahne Projects, London, United Kingdom, and Anna Zorina Gallery, New York, NY.
US Open, Federer vs. Nadal is inspired by a match between the two namesake players, both of whom are widely regarded to be among the best athletes to have ever played the sport. Rather than focusing exclusively on the primary characters, Ellison pays as much—arguably, even more—attention to the surrounding crowd and stadium. Although the audience members bear different ethnicities, ages, and clothing choices, they observe the game in unison. By capturing the dynamism of this scene, the artist celebrates the diversity, joy, and shared humanity of this public setting. The lively environment also shares the pictorial frame with a bright, blue sky dotted with white clouds, recalling the landscape genre of traditional painting. For this limited edition series, Ellison will imbue each print with painted and collaged elements.
Of ART FOR CHANGE’s initiative to support reforestation, the artist notes, “I am deeply invested in health, well-being, and sustainability. Air quality is important to me, as I am outdoors a lot. I also care about plant and animal life, and know that planting trees will help support biodiversity by providing habitats for different species. The more trees we have, the less likely soil erosion becomes; it is important to me that fruits and vegetables have the soil that they need.”
As part of ART FOR CHANGE’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and charitable giving, we will plant 10 trees for each artwork sold.
Shaun Ellison
US Open, Federer vs. Nadal, 2025
Archival pigment print
18.47 x 24 inches
Limited Edition of 20 with 5 AP + 1 PP
Hand-embellished, signed, and numbered by the artist
$1,350