Olivia JS Lee


Master of Fine Arts in Studio, Sculpture

Olivia JS Lee is a Korean-born artist whose artistic practice lies at the intersection of the tangible and the intangible, encouraging viewers to explore the boundaries of perception and reality. In 2014, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from the Rhode Island School of Design, followed by a Master of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2023. Through her artistic practice, Olivia aims to capture the index of presence, seeking to reveal the marks that time has left on the materials around us. Her choice of materials reflects the imprints of our lived experiences, such as coffee grounds, scrap wood, and moisture from her breath on windows, evoking intimate sensations that transform the familiar into the unfamiliar.

For Olivia, art is a spiritual practice that offers a deeper understanding of existence for both herself and her audience. Her works are created with the intention of forging a profound connection, inviting viewers to contemplate the transience of time and the finite nature of being. She challenges viewers to look beyond the surface and seek out the hidden moments of beauty that exist all around us, exploring the limits of human perception and the beauty of the ordinary. Through her art, Olivia creates pieces that evoke a sense of physicality and emotional states, making the viewer more aware of their own bodies. Her artwork is an exploration of the meaning of existence, seeking to uncover the essence of our shared humanity.