Deandra Lee, she/her, (b.2000) is a surreal self-portrait photographer and collage artist who creates a universe that provides her with additional opportunities to seek identity and construct her own world. Being unrepresented gives one the ability to overcome obstacles and carve out a space for themselves. Over the years art history has taught Lee that the Black presence is mute compared to others. That figuration of the canvas for Black individuals dares to make a statement and survive the times. Within this constant need for transformation, Black artistry has the ability to uproot levels that define the spirit.
Lee uses a variety of materials and stock photos to express stories visually. She can portray a situation with a camera and then immerse herself in a creative setting that she has never seen before.Her practice allows her to convey a huge sense of curiosity, discovery, and wonder, as well as a visually adventurous mindscape in which spectators can weave themselves into the work. In her practice she utilizes the camera to create her own visual narrative. Photography, throughout her journey has been a statement of truth and creativity. To explore the endless bounds of motifs and perspectives that she wants to create within my culture.
Lee engages within the notions of history, folk, representation, politics and resilience to depict the inner vibrancy of the human experience of Black lives. The different complexities of the Black individual and art forge to represent a statement of rich visuality. Discussing theories and notions that discuss the potency and vitality of blackness as a surrealist artist. She illuminates the Black experience through her art. When Lee works, the vitality of Black history, culture, and life all coexist. Lee's use of collage, color, expressions, and silhouettes in her artwork is a transforming method of presenting her own story and the vibrant aspects of Black life.
CV
EDUCATION
Graduate
University of Houston, Houston, Texas
Graduation, Year 2027
Masters of Fine arts (Photography)
Undergraduate
Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas
Graduation, Year 2024
Bachelor of Fine arts and Communications / Minor in Art
GPA 4.0
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Arts and Technology Center (ATC) Monitor , University of Houston, Houston,Tx August 2025
Lifetouch Shutterfly Preschool Photographer Katy,Tx February - May 2025
Wittliff Collections, Texas State University, San Marcos, Tx January- May 2024
Assistant Curator
PROJECTS & EXTRACURRICULAR
Exhibitions
2025
In Full Color, Gallery 100 at Palo Alto College, San Antonio, TX
2024
Visions and Echoes, Senior Art Exhibition, Texas State Galleries, San Marcos,TX
Total Eclipse, Sabinal Gallery, San Marcos, TX
Prelude, Sabinal Gallery, San Marcos, TX
Notoriously Odd, Cephas House, San Marcos, TX
Measures of Water, Texas Water Project
2023
Alone Blue, Student Juried Exhibition, Texas State University San Marcos, TX: curated by Mark Pascale The Art Institute of Chicago
2021
Shell ,CICA Museum Gimpo, South Korea
Curated/Co Exhibitions
2024
Souls of Prom, Will Van Overbeek, Wittliff Collections, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
Tesoro's: Treasures of Mexican Photographers, Wittliff Collections,Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
Published Work Reviews
2022
“Deandra lee” The Adroit Journal- https://theadroitjournal.org/issue-forty-three/ deandra-lee/?amp
“Deandra lee”Cross Connect Magazine - https:// www.crossconnectmag.com/post/183125383473
2020
“Deandra lee” Jet Fuel- https://www.jetfuelreview.com/deandra-lee- spring-2020.html
"Deandra lee”Rappahannock Review - https:// rappahannockreview.com
"Deandra lee”Aint-Band, by Sydney Gillum https://www.aint-bad.com/article/2020/07/31/deandra-lee-2
"Deandra Lee"Artist A Day - https://www.artistaday.com/? p=142330
"Deandra lee” People Life- https://peoplelifeco.wordpress.com/2020/06/11/15-questions-with-artist-deandra- lee/
2019
"Deandra lee”ArtUpon- https://www.artupon.com/ deandra-lee/
"Deandra Lee The Adroit Journal-https://theadroitjournal.org/issue-twenty-nine/deandra-lee/
"Deandra lee” Superstition Review - https:// superstitionreview.asu.edu/issue24/art/ deandralee
"Deandra lee” In A Blog- http://inagblog.com/2019/07/next-artists-29/