NEW YORK, NY.- The Garment District Alliance unveiled the latest in its ongoing series of public art exhibits, showcasing a series of paintings titled Body Language, created by artist Lesia Sochor.

Located inside the Kaufman Arcade building on 132 West 36th Street, the free exhibit is accessible to the public through July 28th. Body Language is part of the Garment District Space for Public Art program, which showcases artists in unusual locations throughout the year, and has produced more than 200 installations, exhibits and performances.

“Lesia Sochor’s artwork truly portrays the beauty and art of fashion, and its power to represent an individual’s unique character,” said Barbara A. Blair, president of the Garment District Alliance. “Body Language embodies the spirit of this neighborhood, and we are thrilled to showcase Lesia’s wonderful work through the Garment District Space for Public Art program.”

Sochor’s works depict connections among women, sewing and fashion. Through her artwork, she strives to engage viewers in a dialogue about the beauty, power, function and art of fashion, and how an article of clothing can intrigue, provoke, amuse, define or reinvent individuals. The thematic thread explores the broader issues of image, identity, sexuality and politics, confronting the fascination with style and trend, and how today’s garment industry crosses all cultural borders.

A seasoned painter for 45 years, Lesia Sochor earned a degree in Fine Arts from the Philadelphia College of Art. She co-founded the first art gallery in Belfast, Maine, and started and directed an arts center. She has taught publicly and privately through residencies and museum workshops for 25 years.

Sochor has had numerous exhibitions throughout Maine and beyond in various venues, including Lesley University (MA), The Ukrainian Institute (NY), Prince St Gallery (NY), University of the Arts (PA), Boston State House, The Farnsworth and Gilley Museums (ME), Freyburg Academy (ME), and the Center for Maine Contemporary Art.