Detroit-based contemporary artist Amy Feigley-Lee has carved a unique niche in the art world with her intricate collage artworks crafted from found vintage wallpapers. Her creations, characterized by meticulous layering and geometric precision, invite viewers into a realm where color, pattern, and texture converge to challenge perceptions and evoke curiosity.
Feigley-Lee’s artistic foundation was laid with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture from Grand Valley State University, followed by a Master of Fine Arts from the renowned Cranbrook Academy of Art in 2007, where she specialized in sculpture. Her evolution from traditional sculpture to collage art reflects a seamless transition, allowing her to explore dimensionality within two-dimensional confines. This shift has enabled her to infuse depth and texture into her works, drawing from her sculptural background to create pieces that resonate with both visual and tactile richness.
At the heart of the artist’s work lies a profound appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of vintage wallpapers
Feigley-Lee meticulously sources vintage wallpapers, captivated by their historical significance and the narratives embedded within their designs. Her creative process is deliberate and meditative, involving the precise hand-cutting of wallpaper strips, which are then thoughtfully arranged on wood panels to form complex compositions. This methodical approach not only highlights her dedication to craftsmanship but also underscores the therapeutic nature of her practice.
I am here and now, following the blade as it slices through color, pattern, and texture. The process of making is a comfort, a therapy, and a way to connect my past with my future.
In her artist statement, Feigley-Lee reflects on her creative process: “I am here and now, following the blade as it slices through color, pattern, and texture. The process of making is a comfort, a therapy, and a way to connect my past with my future.” This introspective approach allows her to infuse each piece with a sense of personal history and continuity, bridging temporal gaps through artistic expression.
Feigley-Lee’s artworks are renowned for their ability to playfully manipulate visual perception
By juxtaposing hard edges with soft hues and definitive shapes with intricate patterns, Feigley-Lee creates visual rhythms that challenge the viewer’s spatial awareness. Her compositions often present ambiguous forms that, upon closer inspection, reveal meticulously layered strips of wallpaper, each contributing to an illusion of depth and movement. This dynamic interplay encourages viewers to engage actively with the artwork, prompting a deeper exploration of perspective and form. As noted in a feature on This is Colossal on her work, “Emphasizing color, pattern, and contrast, the artist plays with perspective and builds visual rhythms from the carefully arranged vintage material.” This deliberate manipulation of visual elements not only showcases her technical prowess but also invites viewers to question and reinterpret the spaces depicted within her pieces.
Throughout her career, Feigley-Lee has actively participated in numerous exhibitions, showcasing her work in galleries and museums both nationally and internationally. Her pieces have been featured in venues such as the Louis Buhl Gallery in Detroit, where her unique approach to collage art has garnered critical acclaim. One of the artist’s most recent work will be on show at the Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary 2025 this month. Follow the artist on Instagram for more inspiration.
