The Cultural Nomad

Destination and Destiny in thecreative process

A keyattribute of the artist is curiosity. For some, it is sufficient to roam in theconfines of the mind; for others actually seeking the experience of roamingthrough travels adds a new dimension to the work. Those artists most honoredand remembered over time have had the distinction of being cultural nomads(Rembrandt, Picasso, Brancusi, to mention a few). It is conceivable that bytheir confrontation of self identity with the identity of other cultures intime and place, they opened a path to the collective unconscious and createdwork that speaks to this greater audience.

TheCultural Nomad best describes NY sculptor Leah Poller.  By choice and chance she has traveled theworld, gathering experiences, in both visual and emotional content, which shetransforms into her work.

With avast experience in international travels using her art as a cultural passport,Poller read the coming tides clearly: Asia was about to ride the culturalcalling card to amazing new heights, with art, diplomacy and economics pairedin an exhilarating symbiosis of mutual interest. Her successive participationin the Asia Contemporary Art event added to her roster of collectors. Her  “101 Bed Collection”, a series of bonzesculptures on the theme of the bed, drew the attention of press, curators, andgalleries, culminating most recently with her role as featured artist and thefirst foreigner to be selected for the prestigious Beijing Biennale of FemaleContemporary artists organized by the Zero Gallery and curated by Hong Dr. GuoHongmei of the renowned fine art institute CAFA. Poller will present “Made inChina”, her contribution in “Material Speaks” at the Zero Gallery, April 11-May17.