Women, Culture, and Identity: Artists at the Forefront of Feminist Expression
Art has the power to evoke emotion, challenge perceptions, and reflect the world around us. The following artists bring their unique voices to life through diverse mediums, exploring deeply personal themes that center the stories and experiences of women and people of color. Join us in celebrating these bold creators and their artistic contributions, which not only challenge perspectives but also offer a window into the creative minds of Columbus, Ohio.
We are excited to share the work and statements of these talented local creators, each with a distinct voice and story to tell:
April Sunami, a cultural producer who brings strong, spiritual Black women to the forefront of her art, reclaiming and reimagining historical figures.
Lisa Morris, whose collage work offers a dynamic interplay of control and spontaneity, all while centered around a message of hope.
Debb Cusick, a master of glass who has turned her lifelong passion into stunning, enduring pieces—including one that resides in The Smithsonian.
Evangelia Philippidis, whose work honors the strength and resilience of women who have overcome immense challenges, from war to famine, and gives voice to the often-silenced female spirit.
Explore their work below and join us September 14, 2024 for Tret Fure: An Evening of Music & Art to celebrate these artists and build community.
We believe everyone should have the chance to enjoy this special event. If financial limitations are a concern, please email us at info@ofamuseum.org for a discount code to receive a complimentary ticket. Thanks to our grant support, a limited number of free tickets are available.
APRIL SUNAMI
“For over a decade I have considered myself a cultural producer, contributing to the ongoing conversation of race, identity and representation through the creation of paintings that place black women front and center as the subject of my work. I deliberately create images of strong, spiritual, women of color as a means of proclaiming my personal identity and providing a different lens for the social perception of black women. Many of my works are titled after West African queens and deities forgotten or ignored by Western historians. Through excavating these names, I feel I am remembering a marginalized past. It is also important to me that the woman is portrayed as an active and powerful subject instead of a passive object.”
Website: https://aprilsunami.com/
LISA MORRIS
“Collage is the style I gravitate towards because words, paints, textures, and colors tell my story in places I cannot. Structured, organized, strategic, focused….all things I am capable of and prefer to see in my current way of living. Out of control, sporadic, impulsive, and carefree……other parts that require more attention and deeper evaluation.
There is one word that I’m finding to be the beacon of this entirety, however. And that word is ‘HOPE.’ My art has the right to evoke all of these feelings.”
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/___m_o_r_r_i_s___/?hl=en
DEBB CUSICK
“Glass has been my passion for most of my life. I studied at the Cincinnati Art Academy where I was taught many techniques and styles of art. To follow my desire to learn glass I took many classes in glass and in 2013; I studied under Narcissus Quagliata.
Throughout my career I have extensively traveled to various art shows. In 1998, my window called "Apothecary", was donated to The Smithsonian where it still resides.
My work is heavily influenced by my travels and the cultures I have experienced. I am particularly drawn to bright colors and bold patterns, which are often reflected in my pieces.”
Website: https://debbcusick.com/
EVANGELIA PHILIPPIDIS
“My work celebrates two passions, nature and dynamic women.
I was raised among powerful women who had endured war, loss of country, home, husbands and children. Women who fought against injustice and held their families together through two world wars, civil war and famine, yet through their sorrows and tribulations they maintained strength of spirit and an attitude that they would overcome and persevere. These women have inspired me to give a visual voice to female spirits long silenced in history and in modern times.”
Website: https://www.theartofevangelia.net/