_artist
_artist_bio
Sovia e Bossemeyer was born in 1985 in the base hospital outside of offutt air force base, in eastern nebraska. early in childhood she learned that this world wasn't safe for her yet. she shielded herself with the help of a persona who could pretend to be who she wasn't. she would exist alongside this persona, watching the world from their eyes, celebrating the brief moments she was safe enough to exist without them.
the persona would help her study architecture as a teenager, developing a love for precision drawings with a compass and straight edge. before graduating high school, at Sovia's insistence, they began to pursue the study of art.
in college she and the persona learned of more people like Sovia — those who don't conform to the gender that society assumes they are. slowly she grew more confidant in herself. she created works of art with subjects relevant to herself, but their meanings were shrouded by fascinations they both shared. a fascination with technology, trans humanism, cybernetics were the vail she used to address gender identity and her own existence. in 2012 working together they graduated from the university of nebraska at omaha with a bfa in sculpture. during their bfa thesis lecture they first presented Sovia to the public.
the next few years were difficult with social and professional struggles. with the help of trusted friends, her siblings' love, the guidance of her therapist, and support of other transgender and nonbinary people she cast off the protection of the persona and finally lived as herself.
making art again, she looks forward to her future and the work she is creating. she hopes to enroll in a masters program soon.
Sovia wants to thank the one who protected her for so long. you did your best, rest well. Be proud of who we became.
_curriculum_vitae
_education
2009 - 2012
University of Nebraska At Omaha, Omaha, NE
2009 - 2004
Associates in Arts, Metropolitan Community College of Omaha, Omaha, NE
_solo_exhibitions
2022
Project Transmute, BFF Pride, Petshop Gallery, Omaha, NE
2020
BFF// Sovia e Bossemeyer, Benson First Friday at Citylight Arts Project, Citylight Arts Project, Omaha, NE
2011
“I wanted to ask her how it was… being a new person… only she couldn’t remember who I was.” UNO Criss Library, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE
_juried_exhibitions
2010
UNO OAA: Blank Show UNO Criss Library, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE
UNO Spring Student Art Show UNO Art Gallery – Weber Fine Arts Building. University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE
2009
MCC Visual Arts Juried Student Art Show MCC Gallery, Metropolitan Community College of Omaha, Elkhorn, NE
_group_exhibitions
2022
BFFzz Wall, BFF Gallery, Omaha, NE
2019
“Inside The Box”, Citylight Arts Project, Omaha, NE
2011
UNO Bachelor of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition, UNO Art Gallery – Weber Fine Arts Building. University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE
“I’m Sorry But I’m Not Sorry”, Bancroft Street Market, Omaha, NE
_publication
_images
“Selection of images from BFF MaMO Residency Applicants.” BFFzz, May 2022. Page (x). BFF Omaha; Omaha, NE.
_grants
2010
Bertha Mengedoht Hatz Memorial Grant, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha NE
_career_related_experience
2018 - present
Art Instructor - Valiant Studio, Omaha NE
2010 - 2012
Sculpture and Ceramics Studio Technician, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE