Today we’d like to introduce you to Sona Lee.
Hi Sona, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Korea, and I began painting at a young age. Naturally, I grew up dreaming of becoming an artist, and that dream has led me to where I am today. I completed both high school and my undergraduate studies in Fine arts in Korea, and later decided to move to New York to pursue my master’s degree.
During graduate school, I learned a great deal about art, not only conceptually and technically, but also about what it means to sustain a life as an artist. I feel that I am still in the process of learning how to live well as an artist. After graduating, I’ve been fortunate to participate in various exhibitions and residency programs. Through these opportunities, I’ve been able to meet and connect with other artists and art professionals, which has greatly expanded my perspective and strengthened my sense of community within the art world.
Working in New York has opened my eyes to a much larger world. It has expanded my perspective, challenged me, and pushed me to grow. I feel excited about the many experiences that lie ahead, while at the same time holding a sense of uncertainty and fear about the unknown.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road. I remember my first year of graduate school after moving to New York being especially challenging. I had to quickly adapt to a new environment and culture, and the language barrier was particularly difficult.
There were many moments when I felt frustrated, thinking that if the discussions had been in Korean, I would have been able to express myself more fully, or focus more deeply on my studies. Instead, I was constantly translating my thoughts in my head, which sometimes made me feel limited. At the same time, I was being exposed to so many new ideas, perspectives, and critiques all at once. Learning to absorb different opinions, accept criticism, and continue developing my work within that intensity was not easy.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work visualizes liminal spaces where dreams, imagination, and memory intersect, constructed through both philosophical reflection and personal experience. I often draw on fragments of memory collected from different places and moments, assembling them within a single pictorial space to blur the boundaries between inner and outer realities.
I’m drawn to transitional realms where serenity and unease coexist—spaces where emotions, time, and memory converge briefly. I try to capture moments that feel familiar and calm, yet carry an underlying tension, where stability and fracture exist side by side. My compositions often juxtapose intimate, domestic scenes with subtle distortions, creating atmospheres charged with stillness and quiet tension.
Color plays a central role in my practice. I love experimenting with combinations and creating new palettes, exploring the emotional resonance that color can convey. I use color to evoke feelings and moments that words cannot fully express, heightening the atmosphere and emotional depth of each work.
I am known for creating liminal spaces that showcase my distinctive approach to color, using carefully considered palettes to evoke emotional depth and atmosphere. Occasionally, I depict groups of people from behind, which allows a sense of anonymity and invites viewers to project their own experiences onto the figures, creating a more personal connection with the work.
What sets me apart is my commitment to emotional authenticity and my careful attention to the interplay of space, light, and color. My work is not just about depicting a scene, but about constructing a psychological space that invites viewers to inhabit it and reflect on their own memories, dreams, and emotions. I carry the same passion I had when I first dreamed of becoming an artist — the desire to create meaningful work and share it with others, balancing personal exploration with the universal resonance of the human experience.
I’m participating in a group exhibition “BEFORE ARRIVAL- Liminal States as a Global Condition” at SPACS Gallery in New York (149 W 27th St Floor 3, New York), opening on March 12, 2026, and running through May 29. I will be presenting some of my newest paintings there, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to share this new body of work.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors, supporters, and collaborators who have played an important role in my growth as an artist. During my MFA at Parsons, my professors and advisors provided critical guidance, helping me refine both my conceptual approach and technical skills, while also encouraging me to take risks and explore ideas I might not have considered on my own.
I’ve also been inspired and supported by fellow artists — peers who challenge me, give honest feedback, and share their experiences navigating the art world. Their perspectives have been invaluable in helping me see my work from different angles and stay motivated.
I’m also grateful for the experience at Long Meadow Art Residency, where I received complete support that allowed me to work with confidence and explore new, playful directions in my practice. Having the time and space to focus solely on my work was incredibly valuable, and I’m thankful for the guidance and encouragement that made that possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sona-lee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sssonalee
