Michelle Im during her residency at John Michael Kohler Arts Center, 2026. Photo credit: Kohler Co., courtesy of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center
Michelle Im is a Spring 2026 Hopper Prize Grantee!
Michelle Im explores femininity and working-class labor—often informed by her own experience as a former fine dining server. She's drawn to professions where labor is pristinely packaged through uniforms and perfectionistic gestures. Her sculptures amplify the surreal nature of these roles, giving form and presence to working-class women whose labor sustains systems of comfort and care.
The Hopper Prize (@hopperprize) was established to increase recognition of the work of visual artists. The Hopper Prize seeks to advance the careers of visual artists by providing unrestricted financial support in the form of grants.
Learn more on The Hopper Prize website.
August 14, 2026
