Lesley Bodzy is a painter and sculptor who works in New York City and Houston. She is currently a 2021 MFA candidate at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago.

She is represented by galleries in Saugerties, NY, Houston, TX, Williamsburg, VA and Jersey City, NJ. Her work was recently shown in New York City at Chashama and Sculptors Alliance. Other recent exhibitions include Site:Brooklyn, Emerge Gallery in Saugerties, NY, the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, CT, the Susquehanna Art Museum in Harrisburg, PA, the Meadows Gallery in Tyler, TX, and at Holy Art in London, UK.

Lesley has a BA from Mount Holyoke College and studied art at Hunter College and the Art Students League of New York.

Artist Statement

I use the material of pure paint mixed with medium to make surreal sculptures. The draped, concealed objects symbolize the veneer we each present to the world. Taught to conform to roles to please our parents or society, our challenge is to seek our true selves.

In symbolizing the concealment of the authentic self, the veiled objects hide trauma beneath a beautiful façade. The work reflects both the absence and presence of the true self.

With each piece, I embark upon a journey of discovery. I begin with a vision, which necessarily changes when confronted with the constraints of the process and materials. Navigating this tension is similar to finding solutions to the challenges we face in life. For me, this is the reward of making art.

...and I wasn't invited?, 2021, Acrylic and styrofoam, 24 x 88 x 111 in., photo by Lesley Bodzy
...when you didn't show up, 2021, Acrylic and medium, 77 x 33 in., photo by Lesley Bodzy
...and, 2021, Acrylic and medium, 12 x 12 in., photo by Lesley Bodzy
Jackie's Gilt, 2021, acrylic and medium, 71 x 55 in., photo by Lesley Bodzy
...and 3, 2021, Acrylic and medium, 10 x 12 in. for each piece, photo by Lesley Bodzy