Exhibitions / Press

Image Courtesy of Hidi Lee

Interview: Hidi Lee
Luca Curci talks with Hidi Lee during the 9th edition of ROME INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2024, at ITSLIQUID Monti – Rome Art Space.

Embarking on a new artistic Journey after decades as a distinguished fashion designer, Hidi Lee brings a refreshing wave of creativity to the world of pop art. Her artistic Voyage is marked by a philosophy deeply rooted in her adventurous spirit, one that has been cultivated through a life lived in four countries spanning three continents. It is this worldly experience that has shaped her positive outlook an imbued her with a unique sense of humour that permeates her latest collection, “Did Your Mother Ever Tell You NOT to Play with Your Food?” The title itself speaks volumes about Lee’s approach – an invitation to embrace the playful, the unexpected, and the joyous moments in life.

Through her triumphant Humorous Speech Contest at Toastmasters titled “All the Lies My Mother Told Me”, Hidi established herself as a masterful entertainer who knows how to elicit smiles from her audiences. This skill seamlessly translates into her visual art, where each piece becomes a portal into the playful recesses of her imagination. As she continues to explore the boundless possibilities of her creative expression, whether immersed in her digital artworks or marvelling at her 3D mix media creations, viewers are enveloped in Hidi’s contagious sense of humour. Hidi Lee invites audiences to join her on a delightful adventure where art and humour collide in a kaleidoscope of imagination.

Image Courtesy of Hidi Lee

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Hidi Lee – For me, art is a powerful form of communication, where artists convey their passion, emotions, and perspectives to the world. It encompasses various mediums such as 2D, 3D, and performance art, offering viewers a diverse range of experiences. Whether it’s through personal vision or interpretation of social and political views, art serves as a universal language that resonates with individuals on a deep emotional level. It’s a creative process of transforming ideas into tangible forms, inviting viewers to interpret and find meaning in their own unique way.

LC – Which subject are you working on?
HL – I’m currently working on my collection titled “Did Your Mother Ever Tell You NOT to Play with Your Food?” It’s a series of 2D digital artworks that explore the playful side of interacting with food.

LC – How did you get to your current artistic practice?
HL – My artistic journey has been deeply influenced by my upbringing in a family immersed in creativity. Surrounded by a father skilled in leather jacket tailoring, a brother dedicated to oil and acrylic portraiture, and a nephew mastering painting and sculpting, I naturally gravitated towards fashion design. However, my passion extends far beyond fashion; I’ve always been drawn to interior design, architecture, glasswork, pottery, and sculpture. In the digital arena, I’ve explored art for marketing purposes, but it was during the pandemic that I discovered new avenues of expression. Experimenting with egg painting as a hobby brought unexpected joy and recognition from friends, prompting me to search further into artistic exploration. More recently, my fascination with capturing food through photography has opened my eyes to its profound ability to connect people. I’ve observed that while thought-provoking statements may receive a few responses on social media, sharing a simple picture of last night’s dinner evokes a flood of reactions. This revelation inspired me to stimulate dialogue into the humorous aspects of food and its relationship with human behavior. In essence, my artistic journey is a tapestry woven from a lifetime of influences, experiences, and newfound passions, culminating in a playful yet profound exploration of human connection through art and food.

Image Courtesy of Hidi Lee

LC – What issues do you intend to deal with in the future?
HL – I have an intense desire to make a meaningful impact through my art. I am committed to establishing myself to have value in the international art arena. I will continue to explore themes of positivity, connection, and joy through my artworks. My goal is to create curiosity in my audiences, invoking them to engage me on a personal level, sparking interest not just in my artworks, but in the person behind them. My intention is to uplift and inspire each individual by evoking smiles and bringing joy through my artwork. I believe in aligning the notion of art as a catalyst for emotional healing and social change with a smile.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
HL – I could not say that it is changed over the years since I am an emerging artist, but I do see a significant evolution of my artistic style. There is a substantial shift in technique, perspective, and creative expression when I transition from two-dimensional to three-dimensional forms. I see myself growing my mastery of spatial awareness, material manipulation, and tactile aesthetics. Hopefully, it will broaden my artistic collection and open up new avenues for exploration and experimentation.

Image Courtesy of Hidi Lee

LC – How do you feel when you see your work completed?
HL – When I see my completed work, there’s a profound sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that washes over me. It instils a sense of confidence and validation in my abilities as an artist. Finally, all the hours of dedication, creative energy, and meticulous attention to detail come together in a tangible form.
It is that sense of emotional fulfilment that gives me a lot of joy, fueling my passion and drive to continue pushing the boundaries of my creativity. Knowing that I am sharing a piece of myself through art, a profound joy in knowing that it has the potential to resonate with others on an intrinsic level.
I know that with each completed piece, it becomes a stepping stone, propelling me forward on my artistic journey and inspiring me to explore new ideas, techniques, and mediums. It’s a moment of fulfilment, affirmation, and anticipation for the creative adventures that lie ahead.

LC – What is the message linked to the artwork you have shown in this event?
HL – The message tied to the artwork showcased in this event is centred around leaving a lasting impression of joy and fulfilment on the audience. My ultimate goal is for attendees to depart the exhibition with smiles on their faces, feeling that their time spent was not only worthwhile but genuinely enjoyable. I aim to convey the essence of life’s lightness and the simple, playful pleasures it holds. I want viewers to embrace the fun and whimsical aspects of existence, finding delight in the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. Through my art, I hope to evoke a sense of positivity and upliftment, leaving them on an upbeat note that resonates long after they’ve left the exhibition.

LC – How is it connected to the theme of the entire exhibition?
HL – The ROME INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2024 is all about how our bodies relate to the spaces around us and how different cultures and places mix together in today’s world. It’s about getting people talking and thinking about how we connect with our environment and the changing world we live in.
The two main sections are “Mixing Identities” and “Future Landscapes.” Mixing Identities: This part explores the hidden sides of who we are. It’s like a journey into our minds to understand ourselves better. We learn how our bodies connect us with others and influence how we see the world. It’s about the different ways we communicate and express ourselves through our bodies. Future Landscapes: This part shows abstract/conceptual images that make us feel free. They challenge how we see space and turn things into ideas. They’re about how our bodies, minds, and feelings fit into city life. As I’ve come to realize, there’s a profound bond between humans and food. After all, food holds a significant place in ancient cultures, it is one of the 4 main essentials with clothing, shelter, and transportation. That’s why my artwork always revolves around the relationship between humans and food, infused with a touch of humour to bring a light-hearted feeling. This theme aligns perfectly with the exhibition’s focus, especially regarding ‘Mixing Identities.’ We express ourselves through our bodies and actions, and food plays a vital role in this expression. It’s not just about fulfilling our basic needs; food also brings us joy and strengthens human connections.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the exhibition?
HL – I really like the way the organizers think about art for this exhibition. They talk about how art helps us understand how our bodies relate to the space around us, and how different cultures and identities mix together. This idea of art connecting us to our inner selves and the world is something I strongly believe in. The theme of the exhibition, especially the parts about ‘Mixing Identities’ and ‘Future Landscapes,’ sounds like it will make people think a lot and feel like they’re part of something special. I think it’s important for art to talk about what’s happening in the world right now, and this exhibition looks like it’s going to do that in a really interesting way.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
HL – I think ITSLIQUID Platform is amazing! It’s like a big playground for artists and people who love art. Artists get to show their work to people from all over the world and make friends with other artists. What’s cool about ITSLIQUID is that they really care about showing new, modern art and getting people talking about it. I like how they put on art shows, events, and stuff online to make art fun and interesting for everyone. To me, ITSLIQUID isn’t just a platform – it’s a super important place that helps art grow and be seen by lots of people.

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?
HL – I’m really impressed with the organization of the event. Being in its 9th year, the Art Fair has built a strong reputation in the art world, and I feel confident working with Itsliquid Group. From the moment I connected with Giulia Tassi, I was struck by her efficient communication skills in English and her excellent time management. She guided me through every step of the process, making everything smooth and stress-free. One thing that stood out to me was Giulia’s connection with the shipping company, which was a huge relief for me as an international artist. Knowing that my artwork would arrive safely and on time for installation really put my mind at ease. Itsliquid Group also does a great job of promoting the event and individual artists on social media, ensuring that our voices are heard. Their professional photographer captures stunning images and videos of the event venues and visitors, providing valuable exposure for both emerging and established artists. Overall, I highly recommend Itsliquid Group to any artists looking to expand their reach and elevate their social media presence. It’s been a fantastic experience working with them, and I look forward to future collaborations.

Exhibitions