Ruby Somlith

Melting ICE, 2026

Sculptor Ruby Somlith creates an abstract sculpture that is made up of resin, paper, found objects, and an LED orb light. This sculpture represents the impact that ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has used violence to show power, and taking down innocent people who speak out against them. This work contributes to those victims who were taken away from loved ones. Having this work showcasing the form of “melting ice” gives everyone hope that ICE will one day be “melted away”, gone for good. From having hope, fighting back, and spreading awareness of what ICE has been doing, speaks a lot on how the world is responding to the violence that ICE has created. Corrupting ways America is not supposed to run, the force of ICE using against many people will not make “America great again…”. The piece is known as “Melting ICE”, as the piece showcases the form of realistic ice that is made entirely out of resin, melting away, being metaphoric for the time that comes for ICE being gone. The glowing, faint hue of yellow is the significance of everyone who goes against ICE, the shining yellow signifies our fight back against them as they surround us, thus showcasing the ice cubes all over the orb of light.

About the Artist

Drawing on inspiration from natural forms, Ruby Somlith uses resin, wood, yarn, and found objects to create sculptures that explore the tensions of real world crisis. Her inspiration comes from the world of nature, people, and everyday experiences. She grew up knowing the world is bright and full of love, until she reached an age where she knew that was wrong. As she changed as an individual, so did the world. Her impressions on the world came crashing down as she saw the whole truth, the world isn't so sunshine and rainbows. She would take inspiration from what she loved, natural forms, and creating her artworks with different materials in an abstract form. Connecting real life situations from the real world to spread awareness, using examples of nature to connect these values. Engaging those who go against the consequences that the world has become. Her use of natural forms shares the light of something beautiful, because Ruby Somlith believes that nature is beautiful, peaceful in any shape or form. Creating a contrast of something that isn't beautiful, like the world we live in and how everything is going into chaos, and implementing something so beautiful and whimsical such as nature itself. Creating the tensions of permanence and decay of the world we live in.