Release Date: January 26,2022
Artist Nick Lee Selected for Solo Exhibition at Summit Artspace
Akron, OHIO (Jan. 26, 2022) — Cleveland-based painter Nick Lee was recently selected by jurors J. Leigh Garcia and Dara Harper for Summit Artspace’s inaugural funded so
The goal of this new project is to amplify the voices of northeast Ohio’s BIPOC artists. “Art is rich in color, culture, and expression. It makes sense for those creating the art to be represented as such, too!” noted juror Dara Harper.
Lee is a graduate of Kent State University. As a Japanese American artist, he strives to make American portraiture more inclusive by representing minorities. Lee has shown work in the United States, England, and Germany, and has multiple printed publications, including Defunkt Magazine and local Kent State magazines.
“Nick Lee's use of vibrant color and bold imagery bring the viewer in on a formal and technical level. We’re then met with subtle messages that allude to complex racial and political themes. It's exciting to see an emerging artist tackle difficult topics such as racial stereotypes, oppression, and ‘otherness,’ a
When We Share Our Wounds explores the presentation of traditionally underrepresented people throughout the history of Western art. Through medium- and large-scale figurative oil paintings, this body of work seeks to better represent Japanese Americans—a culture that has been diminished in the traditional history of American portraiture.
“These paintings depict members of my family who have several shared experiences of Japanese descent living in America,” notes Lee. The series also has multiple self-portraits to demonstrate the artist’s personal connection to these issues. “When we as Americans can see people from all backgrounds in our media and paintings, we can better understand them and relate to them as people. When we share our wounds, we can start a conversation that one might not have otherwise,” Lee said.
Questions regarding the exhibition may be directed to Summit Artspace’s Director of Artist Resources, Natalie Grieshammer
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About Summit Artspace: Summit Artspace is a nonprofit arts organization connecting artists and artist-serving organizations to the resources they need to thrive professionally, creatively, and financially. It provides artist studios, exhibitions, and programs in Summit County and serves as a vital place for the public to engage with the creative community. Summit Artspace is located at 140 E Market Street in Akron, Ohio. Public hours are Fridays from noon - 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Per Summit County executive orders, masks are required while in the building. Summit Artspace is supported by The County of Summit, Ohio Arts Council, GAR Foundation, and Akron Community Foundation. For more information, visit the Summit Artspace website or call (330) 376-8480.