Tisch Mikhail Lewis

Artist Statement

Art has been a constant presence in my life; it has evolved from something that I learned from my grandmother into a tool to help voice suppressed thoughts and emotions. I use it to make sense of the world around me by deconstructing my experiences and examining them in terms of sociological theory pertaining to identity, body image, race, and intersections between the three. My work also explores concepts such as grief and grieving, the idea of home, and the possibilities for imagery using unconventional digital means.

I enjoy exploring a multitude of techniques in which the materials I choose to work with are dependent on what I want to discuss. I primarily work within the realm of painting, drawing, and printmaking. However, I use other media such as sewing, fibers, photography, sculpture, bookbinding, and my formal training as a graphic designer.

The main reason I create work is to make an impact on the viewer, be it myself as a form of self-healing or others by sharing my unique perspective. I use my body as a basis for my work, but I abstract the images to make them accessible to everyone, and to generate a type of kinship with my viewers. In a way, I use my work to try to build a dialogue of mutual understanding and respect for people of varied backgrounds.