.aesthetic talk
SOFIA LAI
*Out of Body
written + interview Hannah Rose Prendergast
This is not a missing-person case. Sofia Lai's sculptures are placeholders for strangers and loved ones alike. Constructed from memories of yesterday and yore, the Italian artist has an eerily complete way of collapsing time.
After relocating to London in 2015, Lai realized nothing makes you feel more unseen than moving to a megacity. So, she decided to induce moments of deja vu or the already-seen through assemblage. It’s a bonding experience that is both traumatic and joyful, a little like the pile of clothes on your chair that comes to life in the dark.
As a stylist, Lai’s shapes are less haphazard and more thoughtfully layered to reflect human diversity. You can’t walk around in someone’s skin, but Sofia Lai’s sculptures will get you pretty close.
Sofia Lai
“The notebook I carry with me contains all my dreams, nightmares, thoughts, to-do lists, and scribbles. It is everything that goes through my mind that I wish to look back on one day.”
Sofia Lai speaks with Hannah Rose Prendergast
for LE MILE Issue N3. 37 - AGE OF CHANGE
Hannah Rose Prendergast
What was your introduction to the arts as a child?
Sofia Lai
The arts have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Throughout my childhood, the arts helped me to express myself and my worldview. Craft allowed me to explore my creativity and create something tangible that words alone could not.
You’re originally from Florence, Italy, but you moved to London in 2015. How did your sense of place develop over time? When did you start to feel grounded?
Sense of a Place is an ongoing project. My definition of groundedness changes day to day based on how I get to know the world and those around me. The place I live is not central to it; it is the people I live with, how I feel, and the appreciation of everyday life. Most days, I do not feel grounded anywhere, and this is what my practice revolves around – the feeling of discomfort that reverts to something negative and then towards something positive in a way that allows everyone to discover and reevaluate what matters in life.
Could you walk me through your sculpting process? Do you always cast your body as the mold?
My creative process starts with daily notes about how I feel and what I see. The notebook I carry with me contains all my dreams, nightmares, thoughts, to-do lists, and scribbles. It is everything that goes through my mind that I wish to look back on one day.
These could be keywords that refer to abstract experiences, such as seeing a stranger talking on the phone or noticing the distinctive shape of a bag hanging on a tree. Sometimes, those notes stay in my head for months without making sense before I can translate them into tangible concepts and elements such as sculptures. I start with my own body as a known tool. My ability to put myself into works created by others is what makes me an artist.
What is the lifecycle of one of your sculptures? Do you ever re-use them?
It depends on the sculptures and how I view them. Because my creative process is deeply rooted in my surroundings, I sometimes cut some of the sculptures and reuse them in a new way. Similarly, the clothes vary depending on the type of character and identity I want to create.
What is important about the presentation of these pieces? For example, you use a hanger sometimes to set things off.
I am interested in forming an identity through specific shapes and volumes created by posing and outfits. Finding the right objects and garments took me some time to accomplish. I use hangers rather than very heavy sculptures that stand alone because I'm trying to replicate the softness and swiftness of specific movements I have in mind for that character.
How do you know that your character has the right outfit?
Having no specific method of knowing when the outfit is right, I know by seeing and incorporating clothing elements reminiscent of something or someone for each sculpture.
How does having insomnia inform the nightmarish quality of your work?
I've always associated insomnia and nightmares with something negative and abnormal. Only in the last couple of years did I realize how unique and positive my "absurdity" could be. We all try to fit into a world that constantly scares and overwhelms us. It was about accepting myself for who I am and separating myself from the idea that people would not understand me if I were so unique. In our community, we all experience struggles in some form, and sharing our weaknesses with others helps us turn them into strengths. Art, for me, is an entity through which I can transfer my feelings towards others.
The bodies’ arresting posture reminds me a little of crime scene photos. Have you ever thought of this?
I did not! However, I love that everyone perceives my work differently and makes multiple connections. I'm seeking an emotional connection with the viewer, and I'm glad my sculpture can shape-shift depending on the person looking at it. The beauty of art is that it is subjective and open to interpretation. Every viewer brings their own experiences and emotions to the artwork, and no two people will have the same reaction.
How has sculpting made you appreciate your body?
Accepting my body is still a work in progress as it relates to accepting the complexity of myself as a human. The body is often the first tangible representation of who we are, and it can be difficult if the thoughts and feelings within are not fully accepted. Discomfort is not simply a negative component we all experience but also a strength that allows us to analyze our behavior and improve ourselves.
Part of your inspiration comes from the people you love, including your sister and grandmother. How have they supported your vision?
I've always been supported in multiple ways by all the people that I love. I have learned that you should be open-minded and able to see and understand the different ways people can share their support. Being grateful and appreciating what you have are key elements for artistic growth. I couldn't be me and do what I do without the support I have around me.
What next for you, Sofia?
I am working on a series based on my past, present, and future experiences. I hope to share this journey with everyone soon.
“We all try to fit into a world that constantly scares and overwhelms us. It was about accepting myself for who I am and separating myself from the idea that people would not understand me if I were so unique.”
Sofia Lai speaks with Hannah Rose Prendergast
for LE MILE Issue N3. 37 - AGE OF CHANGE