Lydia Wickham: Vital Signs

Fine Arts 2025 Thesis Exhibition

Artist Bio
Lydia Wickham is a BFA candidate at the Columbus College of Art & Design. She lives in Circleville and works in Columbus, OH. Wickham has exhibited nationally, including VIVID at d’Art Center in Norfolk, VA; Transparency at Union Street Gallery in Chicago Heights, IL; and Carla: The Essence of Love and Joy at All People Arts in Columbus, OH. Wickham received third Best of Show at the 2024 Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Competition (Amateur Division). In 2025, Wickham will exhibit at 934 Gallery in Columbus, OH, and will have a piece traveling with Art Possible Ohio’s Accessible Expressions 2025 exhibition.

Artist Statement
Exploring the beauty found in vulnerability and impermanence, I encourage viewers to rethink how they perceive strength and weakness. Living with chronic conditions has taught me to question reality and examine how perception creates our world. I am attracted to transformative moments where boundaries blur, bringing the hidden into focus and revealing resplendent, mysterious undertones. I create spaces that shift perception. This prompts viewers to reconsider with bold colors, light, and tactile materials like embroidery, neon vinyl, and reflective surfaces. My work balances fragility and resilience by transforming overlooked, everyday materials into powerful expressions.

Acock Gallery
The gallery is located on the second floor of the Joseph V. Canzani Building.