Mike Lee Highlights Immigrant Family Separations in New Paintings
As part of a forthcoming exhibition entitled “I’ve Missed You.”
New York City-based artist Mike Lee will present a new solo exhibition at The Garage gallery and residency space in Amsterdam. Entitled “I’ve Missed You,” Lee created a total of six oil paintings done up in his signature, smoothly-textured monochromatic style. These artworks touch upon the ongoing issue of immigrant family separations in the United States. Moreover, the show marks the first time the artist will display large-scale tondo (circle-shaped) paintings.
In regards to the aforesaid issue, the gallery explained that he has “lived and worked primarily in a Hispanic community, he has developed a strong sense of empathy and connection to those affected by the recent US administration. His reaction to the devastating scenes of families torn apart was to create a series of images that depict the joys of reuniting with loved ones. These six new oil paintings are a celebration of unity, kindness, and respect towards others.”
Lee adds: “The most important thing to me is the emotional connection people have with my work. I try to achieve this through shaping the lighting, an abstracting of figures and a sense of unity between these subjects.” Altogether, two of the tondo pieces from the show will launch as limited edition, circle die cut prints. Proceeds from the sales will go to “charity efforts that help reunite the separated children with their families,” said the gallery.
View exclusive in-studio shots and select artworks in the slideshow above. “I’ve Missed You” will commence on September 29. Head over to The Garage Amsterdam’s website to learn more. Elsewhere in art, view this week’s list of best art drops.
The Garage Amsterdam
Brouwersgracht 75, 1015 GC
The Netherlands
