Bio

Hannah Samoy is a Milwaukee-based multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Illinois. Samoy is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, majoring in fine arts with a double minor in art history and arts management. Alongside her studies, she is a Curatorial Fellow at the Art Institute of Chicago, researching, cataloging, and assisting with upcoming exhibitions in Modern and Contemporary Art.

Her work merges self-crafted forms and selected found objects, transforming them into a range of small sculptures to large installations. Samoy uses Filipino mythology and personal narratives to examine the dynamics between the community and the self. Recently, Samoy participated in the group show “Dear Nature” with Sculpture Milwaukee and the Gener8tor Art x Sherman Phoenix grant program. There, she delved into the business side of her art practice while expanding her professional network beyond the Midwest.

Artist Statement

Through sculptures and installations, my work examines the tension arising from the intersections between the community and the self, as well as between familial generations. I often use Filipino mythology and superstition as the foundation for my projects, weaving historical narratives into personal stories. This incorporation adds another layer to exploring identity within the broader context of cultural heritage, reinforcing the intricate connections between tradition, individual experiences, and the contemporary world.

The recurring use of dense materials like rocks and metal in my practice symbolizes the weight of everyday experiences and the accumulation of memories over time. These materials, imbued with cultural significance and mythological resonance, represent the interplay between the past and present. An example of this is evident in my most recent sculptural and photographic series where I frame a kaleidoscope of butterflies out of sheet metal. To many Filipinos, butterflies are seen as a manifestation of passed loved ones.

My work is a way for me to build the understanding that these diverse components of identity can not only coexist but also work hand in hand. By embracing the interweaving of cultural values, familial connections, and personal experiences, I encourage people to recognize the beauty in the harmonious coexistence of these elements, fostering a sense of acceptance and appreciation for the rich tapestry of human identity.