ESSIE SOMMA
Essie Somma is best known by her deftly painted works who live at the intersection of surrealism and pop. Creating collages using magazine clippings, advertisements, and her own photographs, she investigates the mysticism of reality by thrusting our world into absurdity. Stream of consciousness aids in connecting familiar images to the irrational, all coming together in large scale oil renderings of the collages which she calls “pieces of manufactured culture.”
Somma exhibits regularly in Portland, Oregon while remaining location independent in her own life. She has participated in residencies throughout North America, and completed murals in the US, Mexico, and Argentina. Outside of her visual practice, Essie researches the political and cultural trends that have led to social inequalities in the United States. She shares this work as a freelance writer and lecturer.
RECENT PROJECTS
Daydreamer
Power Positions:
a Dismantling of Phallacies
Ongoing: Public Journal
The Joy of Choice: Huerto Roma Verde Residency
Art Vallarta
"Woman Up," a digital collage from the first edition of Solo, is going to be featured in Urban Ivy's latest coffee table book Daydreamer, set to be published in April 2022.
A new group exhibition at the Elisabeth Jones Art Center in Portland, Oregon. Featuring work from 5 artists, including Somma, that looks at the impact of representation and challenges assumptions of women.
Monthly articles and blog posts that offer a look into Somma's art practice, recent travels, and cultural critiques.
A 9 x 3 meter mural created in Mexico City while living as an artist in residence at Huerto Roma Verda in 2021.
Recent completion of a 6 month stay as an artist in residence at Art Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta, with the intention to cultivate technical skills and explore "play."