In 2020, Kailee S. Finn was a Long Island’s Best finalist and Valley Stream Central High School senior when she received the Achievement Award in Social Commentary (albeit in the middle of a pandemic). Now the college graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology –pursuing a master’s in illustration from the School of Visual Arts – has come full circle as a chosen exhibiting artist in The Body Politic: Long Island Biennial. Finn reflects on her experiences with both exhibitions.
“As a child, I watched my brother sketch graffiti tags and draw cartoon characters. I looked up to him and I just copied everything he did, from how he dressed, played video games, and eventually how he drew. He piqued my interest in art, and I then developed a passion for it at a young age,” said Finn.
“Receiving the Award in Social Commentary for Long Island’s Best further solidified what my purpose is as an artist,” she noted. Learning that the theme of Long Island Biennial addressed social and cultural issues made it a perfect fit.
Finn explains: “Initially my work was driven by trauma and anger related to my Black experience. However, as I have evolved as an artist and individual, I seek to prioritize resolution with the awareness I raise through creations of artwork that are spiritual and Black centered. The Black community needs healing and through my art I illustrate an end to our suffering spiritually, physically, and generationally. I also hope to merge my passion for film with my artwork somehow in the future.”
Listen to Finn speak about her Biennial artwork in the video above.
