Sophia Lee
artist statement
My work is rooted in my heritage. Pulling from my and my family’s Korean-American experiences and perseverance, I explore themes ranging from isolation, separation, and grieving, to the small and intimate moments of triumph and joy. All the while remains an undertone of yearning for unity. Materials intrigue me, individually they have hidden histories and cultural references. I work with mixed media and language to conjure images, engage the senses, and tell the stories that have been foundational in my life. The use of multiple materials creates a layered and multisensory experience that gives shape to the moments that are lost in translation, the strange in between, as a way to go beyond the limits of language. With expression using spoken or written communication impeding the effectiveness of the concepts I aim to address, I voice and give shape to the stories of the adversities we’ve faced, the sacrifices we’ve made, and the lessons we’ve learned. My art practice allows me to process and document my ongoing assimilation into American culture and navigate my unfolding history.
