Sense of Belonging | LISSA KARPEH

Through new large-scale paintings and collages, this exhibition depicts the intertwined lives of first-generation immigrants residing in Minnesota. Karpeh’s vibrant figurative works invite us to appreciate the interconnectedness of various immigrant experiences and to recognize the universal longing for belonging.

Lissa Karpeh's Liberian background is both an anchor and a catalyst for her artistic expression, offering a lens through which she examines the complex dimensions of identity. Her perspective, paired with gestural brushstrokes, bold color, detail, and lack of detail, creates a visual language that celebrates cultural heritage, challenges stereotypes, and fosters empathy.

In "Sense of Belonging," Karpeh's process of referencing live models, particularly strangers, serves as a reminder of the power of human connection and the ability of art to bridge the gaps between individuals, cultures, and experiences. By immersing viewers in the intimate worlds of the subjects depicted in the paintings, Karpeh invites visitors to reflect on their own notions of belonging, question preconceived ideas, and appreciate immigrant communities' beautiful layers and shared humanity.

"Sense of Belonging" is a testament to the resilience, strength, and diversity of immigrant experiences. Karpeh's work celebrates the power of cultural identity. It fosters a sense of unity, ultimately reminding us that a sense of belonging is essential for the thriving and inclusive communities we aspire to build.

 ABOUT THE ARTIST
Lissa Karpeh (b. 1993 Savannah, GA, USA) is a Liberian-American artist whose work explores social interests related to belonging and communal feelings of otherness. She draws inspiration from her Liberian cultural heritage, using traditional West African art and aesthetics to create works that reflect the rich cultural history of Liberia. Her bold and vibrant colors enable her to tell stories and address psychological challenges in communities of color. Through her work, she aims to create social change and promote social justice, empowering individuals and communities and fostering a greater understanding of the experiences of others.

Karpeh received a BFA from St.Cloud State University and became an inaugural Studio 400 cohort resident shortly after. She is currently earning a masters in Art therapy from Adler Graduate school with a focus on processing trauma through community wellness. She maintains her practice in the Northrup King Building and is currently represented by Bockley Gallery. Her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Bockley Gallery, Public Functionary, Sure Space Gallery, Katherine G. Murphy Gallery, and many public murals throughout the Twin Cities. She is the founder of the Minneapolis-based therapeutic art organization, Free In Color. 

GALLERY HOURS
UPSTAIRS GALLERY AT PUBLIC FUNCTIONARY
#247 NORTHRUP KING BUILDING
Thurs - Sat / 10am-6pm