Lissa’s show will be up through Saturday July 8 in #247

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GALLERY HOURS: Thurs - Sat / 10am-6pm

Public Functionary is honored to present "Sense of Belonging" by Liberian-American artist 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.