Who is Lisha Bai? An Introduction to the Artist

In the vibrant landscape of New York’s contemporary art scene, Lisha Bai stands out as a thoughtful and innovative artist. Her work, which spans sculpture, installation, and textiles, is a quiet but powerful exploration of time, memory, and the very materials that shape our world.

For years, Bai was known for her evocative sculptures made from cast sand. More recently, she has turned her attention to textiles, creating intricate fabric works that continue her investigation into the interplay between the tangible and the illusory.

The Foundation: Early Life and Education

Lisha Bai’s artistic journey is built on a strong academic foundation. She pursued her passion for art from a young age, which led her to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from Washington University in St. Louis in 2001.

Her talent and dedication took her to one of the nation’s most prestigious art programs. In 2004, Bai graduated with a Master of Fine Arts in Painting and Printmaking from Yale University, honing the skills that would define her future career.

A Decade in Sand: Exploring Time and Ephemerality

For over a decade, Lisha Bai’s primary medium was sand. Through a meticulous process of casting, she transformed this humble material into minimalist sculptures that were both monumental and fragile.

This body of work was a profound meditation on time. Bai used sand to make the abstract concept of geologic time visible, creating objects that seemed to hold the weight of millennia while simultaneously suggesting their own inevitable decay. Her exhibitions, such as “Here Today” at Fortnight Institute in 2018 and “Year Without a Summer” at Klaus von Nichtssagend Gallery in 2019, showcased this paradoxical beauty.

Turning the Page: The Shift to Textiles in “After Hours”

A recent evolution in Bai’s practice marks a significant shift from sand to fabric. Her 2023 solo exhibition, “After Hours” at Deanna Evans Projects, unveiled a stunning new series of textile works.

These pieces, constructed as functional curtains, are inspired by the quiet moments of her day. The title itself refers to the time when her three children are asleep, and her studio practice begins. The works depict the gentle light streaming through a window, capturing a moment of peace and creative solitude.

Weaving Cultures: Influences and Identity

Bai’s textile art is a rich tapestry of cultural and artistic influences. Her compositions pay homage to masters of light and color like Josef Albers and Lois Dodd, whose work she deeply admires.

Her personal history is woven into every seam. As a Korean American who grew up in Alabama, Bai draws inspiration from the ancient Korean tradition of bojagi, which refers to wrapping cloths constructed from various fabrics, and the iconic quilts of Gee’s Bend, Alabama. This fusion of influences gives her work a unique and deeply personal resonance.

Beyond the Studio: Recognition and Personal Life

Throughout her career, Lisha Bai has earned significant recognition for her work. She has exhibited in numerous prestigious galleries, including the National Academy of Art, DC Moore, Klaus von Nichtssagend Gallery, Halsey McKay, and Fortnight Institute, and has been awarded several fellowships and grants.

While she maintains a private personal life, Bai is married to actor Peter Scanavino, known for his role in Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. Together, they navigate their creative careers while raising their family in Brooklyn, New York.

The Enduring Art of Lisha Bai

Lisha Bai’s artistic practice is a continuous journey of exploration. From the granular ephemerality of sand to the woven narratives of fabric, her work consistently engages with profound questions of materiality, memory, and identity.

She remains a vital voice in contemporary art, creating pieces that are not only visually compelling but also rich with intellectual depth and emotional honesty. Her art invites us to look closer, to consider the stories held within the materials that surround us.