Sophia 

          Sophia Rene (b. 1994, Tallahassee, FL) is a North Carolina-based artist known for her bold self-portraiture that challenges traditional perceptions of identity, visibility, and empowerment within the little people community. After graduating from Appalachian State University, Sophia moved directly to New York City, where she secured a prestigious position at Christie’s Auction House, quickly advancing within the company. During her time there, she curated luxury exhibitions, including high-profile events like Hermes and Luxury Week, marking the beginning of a highly successful career in the fine arts.​

         Sophia’s work, which is inspired by artists like Kehinde Wiley, Jenny Saville, and Francis Bacon, has gained significant attention for its large-scale self-portraits that reverse conventional power dynamics. Her portraits of little women, fems, and non-binary individuals in commanding, sensual stances challenge societal norms and confront the traditional gaze. Her subjects dominate the canvas, filling the space in ways that demand attention and respect, positioning themselves in the powerful roles once held by kings and historical figures.​

        Throughout her career, Sophia has achieved notable successes, including a series of exhibitions that have garnered critical acclaim. Her solo show, 'We Both Know the Truth I Can Tell,' at Nth Degree Gallery in Boone, NC, featured a large, evocative series of self-portraits that drew significant praise for their emotional depth and societal commentary. Additionally, she curated the first-ever group dwarfism show at Mi Casa Galleries in Manhattan, which featured artists with different types of dwarfism, races, and gender identities, further elevating underrepresented voices.​

      Sophia’s work is also deeply rooted in research. For each project, she conducts thorough investigations into the history of dwarfism and its representation in art, as well as the lived experiences of marginalized communities. This research informs the conceptual depth of her art, which tackles not only her personal experiences but also broader social and historical contexts.​Her accomplishments include securing the prestigious NYFA grant, which allowed her to relocate and rebuild her portfolio, and her work is held in private collections such as Greensboro Moses Cone Hospital.           Sophia’s meaningful contributions to the art world have also earned her features in collective magazines, as well as recognition for her photography and curatorial work.​

        Sophia’s mission is clear: to dismantle exclusionary art narratives and create visibility for those who have historically been unseen. Her large-scale, immersive portraits continue to push boundaries and expand the conversation around inclusion, intersectionality, representation, and power in the contemporary art world, making her a trailblazer for both her community and the broader field of fine arts.