Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lex Marie. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lex, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

In 2022, I began creating a series of artworks crafted from school supplies to explore the challenges children face within the American public school system. This series was sparked by my son’s stories from his early school years, which prompted me to reflect on my own educational experiences and those of others across generations. The work addresses critical issues such as school shootings, corporal punishment, and the school-to-prison pipeline, shedding light on the systemic problems affecting students today.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Lex Marie’s artistic practice is as an exploration of the weighty realities experienced by
many African American children and children of color. Her work is a testament to the
profound impact of adultification biases, food insecurity, and the systemic challenges
entrenched in American school systems, healthcare systems, in the home and out in the
world. Through a fusion of everyday materials, often reclaimed and repurposed, Marie
offers a tangible manifestation of the intangible struggles faced by these young minds,
compelling viewers to confront the profound significance inherent in the seemingly
ordinary.
By employing commonplace materials, Marie seeks to transcend conventional artistic
boundaries and redefine the narrative around what should be deemed art. These
materials, often preused and overlooked, carry their own histories and stories. Their
inclusion in her work is intentional, serving as a metaphor for the resilience and
resourcefulness of the communities she aims to represent.
In Marie’s pursuit of sparking dialogue and challenging societal norms, she continually
pushes the boundaries of what is traditionally considered art. Through unconventional
mediums and innovative techniques, Marie provokes viewers to reassess their
perceptions. The juxtaposition of the mundane with the profound serves as a visual
language that transcends barriers, encouraging discourse on issues that demand our
collective attention.
Despite delving into weighty topics, Marie’s artistic creations remain intentionally
digestible for younger audiences. Marie believes that by presenting these complex
issues in a visually accessible manner, she can empower the very demographic for
whom the work is ultimately intended. Through vibrant colors, imaginative compositions,
and relatable themes, Marie invites children to engage with the art, fostering a sense of
connection and understanding.
Marie’s work is an invitation—an invitation to confront uncomfortable truths, to engage
in conversations that echo the experiences of marginalized communities, and to
reimagine the ordinary as extraordinary. Through the transformative power of art, she
aims to contribute to a broader discourse, fostering empathy, understanding, and,
ultimately, positive change.
In unraveling the layers of her creations, Marie extends an invitation to viewers to join
her in this exploration—a journey that transcends the canvas and invites us all to
rethink, reimagine, and rebuild a more inclusive and empathetic world.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to transform everyday materials and experiences into powerful narratives that resonate deeply with others. My work explores the profound realities faced by African American children and children of color, turning seemingly ordinary elements into profound statements about resilience, struggle, and hope. The true reward lies in sparking meaningful dialogue, challenging societal norms, and empowering younger audiences through art. When my creations foster empathy, understanding, and connection, and when they encourage viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and reimagine their world, I feel that I am contributing to a broader, more inclusive discourse. This transformative impact, both personal and communal, makes the artistic journey profoundly fulfilling.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the belief that art must conform to specific visual standards or use traditional materials to be valuable. Early in my career, conventional norms shaped my view of what art should look like, often making me feel constrained. This changed when I began reflecting on my experiences and those of marginalized communities, realizing that art’s true power lies in its ability to convey personal and collective narratives, regardless of traditional aesthetics.

Embracing unconventional materials and methods, such as everyday and reclaimed items, allowed me to address complex issues like systemic challenges within American school systems. This shift taught me that art’s value comes from its emotional impact and its ability to engage viewers on a personal level, rather than adhering to rigid expectations. By redefining what art can be, I’ve discovered that its essence lies in communicating personal and universal truths.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lexmarie.com
• Instagram: thelexmarie

Image Credits

Headshot: Dee Hardaway

Images of art: Courtesy of the artist