About
Lia Pikus (she/her) is cellist, composer, researcher and illustrator whose practice centers around art’s ability to cultivate experiences of presence and connection, both within community and in dialogue with the natural world. By drawing upon and reflecting natural processes in her multi-disciplinary practice, Lia seeks to help audiences make emotional and sensory connections with their environments. As a Thomas J. Watson fellow, she researched this connective power on a global scale, exploring the role of art in fostering community around the world. This research forms the foundation for her current explorations of live looping as a form of meditative ritual and is the central focus of her debut EP, Ritual, released in February of 2024.
Most recently, Lia served as the 2024 artist in residence at Shenandoah National Park through the National Parks Foundation, before which she lived and worked as an artist in residence at Mothership NYC. Lia is also an active freelance illustrator and is currently on staff at The Cape Creative Collective, an arts and culture magazine based out of Cape Town, South Africa.
Lia graduated with honors from Rice University in 2021 with double majors in Political Science and Music. She is a 2023 Thomas J. Watson Fellow and a 2024 Fulbright Research Award recipient. Currently, Lia is pursuing her Masters in Theological Studies as a Presidential Scholar at Harvard University, where she is seeking to better understand the intersection of spirituality, mindfulness and clinical psychology.
updated August 2024
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