Interview
Leonard Amimo
Born in Kisumu, Kenya, in 1987, Michael Leonard Amimo is a practicing multidisciplinary artist with expertise in film, writing, and visual art. His artistic journey began at the age of three when his father gifted him his first drawing, sparking a lifelong passion for creativity. Leonard holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Design (Illustration Major) from the University of Nairobi, where he honed his craft and developed a deep appreciation for storytelling and cultural preservation. His work is inspired by the rich tapestry of African culture, untold stories of creatives, and the complexities of human emotions. Known for his signature style, Leonard’s art features swirling patterns and shades of blue that flow like veins of energy, symbolizing life, movement, and emotional depth. His current series, Ethereal Whirls: Women in Blue, explores themes of identity, femininity, and emotion, while his Culture Series delves into the lives and traditions of the Suri tribe in Ethiopia's Omo Valley.
Drawing inspiration from iconic artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Pablo Picasso, as well as movements such as Impressionism and Pop Art, Leonard's work is a fusion of innovation and cultural storytelling. His philosophy centers on the belief that art has the power to transform lives, preserve traditions, and empower creatives to overcome challenges. Through his vibrant compositions and emotionally resonant pieces, Leonard Amimo aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and the enduring beauty of human experiences.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I grew up in Kisumu, Kenya’s City by the lake before moving to Nairobi, where I built my career in art, design, and event curation. Art has always been a way for me to explore identity, memory, and transformation. My journey began with an interest in storytelling, which evolved into painting, blending my life experiences with visual expression. I lost my parents at a young age, but one of my most vivid memories is my dad handing me my first sketchbook, where I drew my first pencil figures. From that moment, art became my refuge. It gave me a way to process my pain, make sense of my struggles, and carve out a place for myself in the world.”
What inspires you?
“My work is deeply inspired by nostalgia, emotions, and the interplay of light and darkness. I draw inspiration from my journey - losing my parents, moving to the city and creating a life of impact through creativity. I am also influenced by vibrant color theory, the expressive freedom of Fauvism, the introspective depth of Picasso's Blue Period, as well as the honest expressions of nomadic African nations as captured by Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My themes often revolve around memory, longing, resilience, and transformation. I explore human emotions through color, shape, and form, with recurring motifs of circles and fluid lines that symbolize continuity and interconnectedness. The underlying message in my work is about finding beauty in imperfection and embracing personal evolution.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is a fusion of expressive color, bold brushwork, and emotive storytelling. It sits at the intersection of abstraction and figurative art, using continuous circular patterns to create movement and depth. I frequently depict women in shades of blue, capturing their essence through body form, emotion, and posture.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Matisse’s Fauvism has profoundly impacted my use of color, pushing me to explore vibrancy beyond realism. I also draw from Picasso’s Blue Period; moved by the way he conveyed deep emotion through restrained palettes. Their ability to capture the human condition with minimal yet powerful visual elements aligns with my approach to storytelling through form and color.”
“My work is a fusion of expressive color, bold brushwork, and emotive storytelling. It sits at the intersection of abstraction and figurative art, using continuous circular patterns to create movement and depth.”
What is your creative process like?
“I start with a feeling or memory and translate it into visual form through sketches. Colors play a crucial role in setting the mood, so I test out a few combinations to find the perfect palette to convey the emotions I'm attempting to communicate. Next, I refine the composition. I work with oil pastels, mixed media, and paint, layering elements to create texture and depth. The process is both structured and spontaneous, allowing intuition to guide the outcome.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Artists are storytellers, historians, and visionaries. Our role is to challenge perspectives, evoke emotions, and document human experiences. As society becomes more digital, art’s role is expanding beyond galleries - into immersive spaces, interactive media, and global conversations. I see art as a bridge between cultures and a catalyst for meaningful dialogue, and artists are the driving force and facilitators of that dialogue.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My journey as a visual artist has only just begun, my first exhibition is ‘Ethereal Whirls: Women of beauty’ currently hosted online by Hae Art Collective with a physical installation taking place in LA later this year. Prior to reconnecting with my paint brush, I worked in fashion, where I organized and participated in various fashion-centered experiential events that blend art, culture, and lifestyle. These have allowed me to showcase my work in immersive environments; engaging audiences beyond traditional gallery spaces. As I expand my artistic practice, I aim to curate exhibitions that offer multi-sensory storytelling, merging visual art with music, fashion, and movement.”
