Meet KOMIE
KOMIE, a.k.a Kim Le, is a Houston based artist and 90's kid. As a second generation Vietnamese-American, she expresses the duality of her cultural roots and upbringing through cluttered compositions and food. She manipulates clay and incorporates other materials to reflect the intricacies of her environment. She began ceramics in high-school where she eventually graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor in Fine Arts, concentration in ceramics.Artist Statement
As a second generation Vietnamese American, I feel like my Vietnamese-ness is second hand. Passed down from my family’s continuation of habits and lingering nostalgia, I inherited a love for sour, smelling fish sauce and pungent durian. I fuse, stack, and blend together references from popular culture with traditional pottery and Vietnamese history. I maximize the space with bright colors and strong textures revealing themes of home, current events, and culture.There is a disconnect between the first and second generation of Vietnamese Americans. It’s confusing being naive yet prideful of my culture. Through my work, I bridge this gap between us by acknowledging the differences of upbringing and enviornment.
CV
Education2023 BFA, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
Professional Experience
2023-2025 Studio Assistant at Third Coast Clay
2025 Teaching Residency at Children’s Museum Houston
Awards
2024
Clay Houston Award for Texas BIPOC Ceramic Artists, Emerging Winner
NCECA Multicultural Fellowship Recipient
Houston Endowment Jones Artist Award Recipient
2023
Texas State University Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Exhibitions
2026
NCECA Multicultural Fellowship Exhibition, Detroit, MI, juried by Renata Cassiano Alvarez
2025
Four Elements, Clay Houston Member’s Exhibition, Monterroso Gallery, Houston, TX
An Ocean Between, Laura the Gallery, Houston, TX, curated by Laura Burton
Letting the River Spill, Texas State University, School of Art and Design, San Marcos, TX, curated by Rebecca Marino
NCECA Multicultural Fellowship Exhibition, Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, Salt Lake City, UT, curated by Jennifer Ling Datchuk
2024
You are a Star in my Sky, Zane Bennett Contemoporary Art, Santa Fe, New Mexico, curated by Jennifer Ling Datchuk
Traces of Being, Houston Endowment, Houston, TX, curated by the Weingarten Art Group
Viet Cultural Fest, NRG Center, Houston TX, curated by Thomas Tran
Grounded in Clay: Rooted in Community, City Hall Rotunda, Houston, TX, curated by Lotus Bermudez and Victor Ancheta
2023
I, Ruby: Vol 1, The Silos, Houston, TX, curated by Megan Olivia Ebel
Hot Wheels, Museum of Human Achievement, Austin, TX curated by Jasmine Chock
Invasive Species, ICOSA, Austin, TX, curated by Alexis Hunter and Jacqueline Overby
Everything in Between, Texas State University, School of Art and Design, Gallery 2, San Marcos, TX
San Marcos Art League Student Exhibition: Connections, San Marcos, TX, curated by Karly Schlievert
Historical to Hysterical, Texas State University, School of Art and Design, Flex Space, San Marcos, TX, curated by Jennifer Ling Datchuk
2022
Under the Big Influence, San Marcos, TX
Rising Eyes of Texas Exhibition, Rockport, TX, curated by Tanja Peterson
Sweet and Sour Exhibition, Austin, TX, curated by Jennifer Ling Datchuk
2020
Austin Community College 44th Annual Student Art Exhibition, Austin, TX
1st place in Ceramics
2018
Houston Community College Bi-Annual Student Art Show, Houston, TX
2nd in advanced placement
2017
Scholastic Art Competition, Houston, TX
Gold medal in advanced placement
2016
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Art School Art Competition, Houston, TX
Advanced to Finalist and awarded excellence
2015
Visual Arts Scholastic Event, Houston, TX
Regional Placement in advance placement
2014
Visual Arts Scholastic Event, Houston, TX
Regional Placement in advance placement
Connect w/ Komie! :3
Email: kimnagile@gmail.comIG: @komiekimle