Selina Lee is a non-binary, second-generation Korean American visual artist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their practice spans painting, illustration, and upcycled textile work, including the repurposing of rice bags.
Selina Lee’s work explores transformation and play through painting, illustration, and upcycled textiles, including repurposed rice bags. Their watermelon landscape series grew out of the upheaval of 2020—BLM protests, fires, the COVID-19 pandemic, and social unrest—offering a whimsical, imaginative world as a form of creative resilience. These playful, fantastical images transform everyday objects into new visual forms, reflecting a belief in the power of imagination to create joy, connection, and possibility.
The watermelon motif also carries layered cultural significance. Selina’s work references African American stereotypes, solidarity with Palestine, and broader social histories, showing how humor and imagination can bridge divides. Through reimagining the familiar, their work invites viewers to see everyday materials and imagery in new ways, highlighting curiosity, creativity, and the transformative potential of art.
Group Shows:
• PunkMajesty ~ Larkin SF group show | Nov 2025
• Group Show ~ City Art Cooperative Gallery SF | Oct 2025
• FootxFoot group show ~ One & Done Gallery SF | Aug 2025
• Healing through Self-Expression ~ Ritual Coffee May-June 2025
• Wave Collective SF “Art for Palestine” | Jan 2025
• City Art Cooperative Gallery (828 Valencia) | Aug 2024
• Ritual Coffee Valencia “Summer in SF” Aug 2024
• Drawing Room Gallery “Food Chain” May 2024
• Persimmon Acupuncture 2024
• Live Worm Gallery “3rd Annual Womens Show” Feb 2023
• City Art Cooperative Gallery (828 Valencia) | 2022-2023
• 2051 ThirdSpace 2022
• Gallery O Rama 2022
• MPSGS Dec 2021
• City Art Cooperative Gallery (828 Valencia) | 2020-2021
Art Markets/Festivals:
• The Monkey King public market ~ SF Ballet x Artyhood | Dec 2025
• Godzilla Fest! 2 ~ SF | Sept 2025
• Loveberry Fest 2 ~ The New Farm SF June 2025
• Manteca Watermelon Festival June 2024
• NOPNA Art Walk June 2024
• AANHPI Winslow Center Pleasant Hill CA June 2024
• Castro Easter EggStravaganza March 2024
• Pancakes & Booze ~ Public Works SF Feb 2024
• Art for the Children of Palestine Fundraiser ~ Castro SF Dec 2023
• Valencia Street Fair SF 2023
• Artscape Sunset Mercantile SF 2024
Education:
• Summer oil painting workshop with artist Pere Llobera |
BAU College of Art & Design Barcelona 2025
• Master's in Graphic Design & Media Arts | Academy of Art University
• BA Illustration | American Academy of Art in Chicago
• BS Earth Environmental Science | University of Illinois at Chicago