Nikki S. Lee was born in Kye-Chang, Korea, and immigrated to the United States in 1994. She graduated from the University of Korea, studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and received her master’s degree from New York University. In her Projects series, Lee transforms herself through dress, makeup, gesture and posture and then approaches a group (Midwesterners, Yuppies, Hispanics, swing dancers, senior citizens, lesbians, etc.) that fits with her new persona. After introducing herself as an artist, she spends time with the group and has her photograph taken by a friend or group member with an automatic snapshot camera. Lee uses this process to explore issues of identity and social behavior and continues this exploration with her film a.k.a. Nikki S. Lee.
Lee’s works are held in collections including the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; the Metropolitan Museum of Art; and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
Mary O'Donnell Hulme
