LIGIA SATO

I am a São Paulo-born artist interested in exploring the urban environment through lens-based media and performance work. Growing up in one of the most populous cities in the world motivated me to consider how built structures and transportation systems shape our everyday lives. When driving is the only option or transit consumes a significant portion of the day, our connection to our surroundings is compromised, leaving us feeling detached from the place we inhabit. In that context, I saw the importance of walking as a way to foster a deeper connection to the city. 

​

My work invites viewers to reflect on how urban structures influence their daily emotions and behaviors, and encourages them to observe their daily commute with greater attentiveness. Using geometric and abstract visual language, I capture the details of urban and architectural landscapes as a way to show observations that would only be possible if walking in an attentive manner.

 

In addition, I use performances, videos, and photographs to respond to structures that are not pedestrian-friendly. These works reflect on the pedestrian’s experience in relation to urban structures that either exclude or fail to accommodate them, showcasing my personal responses to such spaces. Together, my work examines the relationship between the body and the urban environment.