Rhesa Paul, Open Arts LES Assistant Teaching Artist

Rhesa Paul, Open Arts LES Assistant Teaching Artist

Rhesa Paul (pronounced ree-sa) is an artist from Brooklyn, New York. Born to West Indian parents, Rhesa’s work is influenced by materializing her appreciation for everyday cultural objects of necessity, focusing specifically on the woven basket. Commonly used as decor, the basket holds a history of generational craft and function. She connects her inclination to collect preloved baskets and ceramics and seeks to extend their aesthetic function through painting, printmaking, and assemblage. She relies on sourcing found objects and crafting as guides and tools to create. She’s been creating from a young age; it runs in her family and is one of her undeniable passions.