Honey Hunters: Solo Exhibition in Nepal

My name is Essie Somma. I am a full-time painter and freelance writer.

I’ve been invited to create and exhibit an entirely new body of work during a 3-month residency in Kathmandu, Nepal. The opportunity to curate my own solo show in Nepal is an honor and a challenge, which I am beyond thrilled to take on. I have just begun my second month in residence, wrapping up 5 weeks of intense creative work. I’m pouring everything I have into this body of work.

My goal with this work and exhibition is to capture the magic and mysticism of Nepal through the lens of nostalgia and psychedelics. The resulting work, titled Honey Hunters, will feel like an uncovered time capsule of relics from another world. Consisting of paintings, photographs, collages, and video, this exhibition will be unlike anything I’ve ever shown.

I've completed 4 paintings for the exhibition so far and included images of a few below.

I have been participating in international residencies and living nomadically for almost 2 years. This residency is a continuation of the ideas I explored in Lisbon, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico, where I investigated how culture is represented through the layering of images and narratives. Before setting off on this adventure, I received my BA in art from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a Master’s Certificate in art marketing and business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art. I’ve dedicated my life to my biggest passions: art and exploration.

I’ve exhibited across North America, Europe, and South Asia. My work has been published by Urban Ivy and featured in Untitled Magazine and Variable West. Honey Hunters will be the first time my work from abroad will be shown publicly and my first solo exhibition outside of the United States.

Your donations will go directly toward my exhibition.

Donations will cover:

Materials

Gallery Rental Fee

Exhibition Catalogue

Exhibition Expenses (signage, opening reception, and printing)

Sharing this body of work in a gallery space is an honor. Opportunities like this make my heart so happy. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Please include your email address with your donation so I can thank you personally!