Aïsha Lehmann is an artist based in Provo, Utah. She is an artist and researcher, grappling with the complexities of identity in race, ethnicity, gender, and spirituality.
As she researches, she examines academic studies as well as her own gathered material on others’ personal experiences and narratives. She translates observations into imagery using paper, patterns, drawing, and printmaking techniques.
Reflection
Artist Aïsha Lehmann was SUU’s APEX lecturer on February 24. Lehmann was introduced by Jessica Kinsey, Executive Director at the Southern Utah Museum of Art. Kinsey explained that Lehmann “is an artist that uses culture and storytelling to inspire her work. She explores the complexities of identity and race.”
Currently an undergrad at BYU, Lehmann was thrilled to be in a room filled with creative peers. Lehmann plans on going to grad school in sociology. She said that by doing this, she is “choosing to engage with issues and subject matters that are very important to me, in a more concrete way, while still having the art practice.”
Dealing with different textiles and patterns in her creative projects, Lehmann explained that “there’s so much culture and heritage in patterns. I am making quilts, of sorts, with all these collages of patterns.”
Looking back at her beginning, Lehmann said, “I’ve always loved art. I’ve had very influential mentors over the years who have encouraged me to continue.”
Lehmann declared, “making visual art was always something that was important to me, but it took a lot of people along the way to encourage me to keep with it and recognize that there is value in it.”
Art unites communities and let’s people express their creative self. Lehmann stated that “art is a way to capture the nuance and the ambiguity of race and identity.”
Giving advice to the creative artists and students in the audience, Lehmann declared that “finding mentors and finding the subject matter that can feed the work outside of yourself” is key.
Lehmann expressed that “everyone has a fascinating story and beautiful aspects of their story. But in the society that we live in, someone’s identity gives them certain privileges or disadvantages because of very man-made, hierarchical systems.”
Speaking to the artists in the room, Lehmann expressed, “being a creative person is such a privilege in this world today.”
Leaving the audience with some inspiration, Lehmann said, “if we are able to learn together, we can come together and unite as people.”
