Interview
Leonor Anthony
Leonor Anthony is a Cuban born multidisciplinary activist artist based in Miami, Florida. She is an accredited scholar, artist, photographer, curator, and published author.
Leonor is world-renowned for her courageous use of materials, and for creating works that invoke awareness to some of the most important social and environmental issues of our time.
The imagery of her art is crafted through her unflinching willingness to elicit emotional reactions. Her intense but sophisticated style is a reflection of the artist’s unending search for freedom of expression, and her bold and fearless penchant towards iconoclasm.
She is the co-author of the critically acclaimed book ‘Sounds of Freedom’ based on her concept of union of Jazz black and white images of the 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement. The book is part of the US Library of Congress as well as President Barack Obama’s personal collection.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I became a political refugee at the age of five. This event marked my life as well as my future artistic practice. Even though I hold a Master’s degree in theology and art history, I’m completely self taught. I started drawing at the age of three, as soon as I could hold a pencil. In my teens, I experimented with oil paints, creating original renderings of masterpieces in order to learn composition and use of colors. Those 10 years were the start of my career as an adult, and the start of sales to collectors.
I commenced the use of found objects and mixed media in the second decade of my career, and it is within this medium that I found my voice and style.”
What inspires you most?
“Even though I am inspired by everything that surrounds me, the biggest sources of inspiration are social causes and the environment. I use art as my voice and a vehicle for activism, bringing light to issues around immigration, women’s empowerment, and environmental preservation.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My favorite themes are equality, racial relations, justice, the empowerment of women worldwide, and environmental preservation. All of my work carries a message. It is my hope to raise awareness to some of the most important issues of our time.”
“My latest project ‘Sustaining Love’ was inspired by a protest of women in the southern Indian state of Kerala. These women formed a 620 km human chain in a mass demonstration for gender equality.
‘Sustaining Love’ was exhibited during the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Summit in Glasgow Scotland, and at the Moscow Museum of Modern Art, from Dec 2021 to Feb 2022.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is my voice and my soul. My work is the material form of all my life experiences, as well as my thoughts and preoccupations. Regardless of the medium, my work is a reflection of myself. My work is my naked soul.”
Which artists influence you most?
“The list is quite long! The courage, boldness and strength of Artemisia Gentileschi, to the variety of mediums used brilliantly by Robert Rauschenberg and Anselm Kiefer, to Jean-Michel Basquiat’s unfettered genius.
I usually gravitate to artists that, like me, use their work to convey a message or human experience.”
What is your creative process like?
“I spend quite a lot of time researching every piece prior to the start of creation. This period comprises not only research, but gathering of materials that could be used in the piece. Once I have collected all the information, background history and possible materials, I head to my studio.
I always begin to work early in the morning, completely alone and accompanied by music.
Once I’m fully in the zone, I lose myself completely in the piece. This process continues for whatever period of time is necessary to complete the piece. At times I have several works being created at the same time, since most of my pieces require long periods of time to dry.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Artists are the mirrors of society at any given time. It is our role to incite, promote introspection, bring awareness, and at times even shock you. I hope that the artists of the future will carry on the work of making society take a clear look at itself, and inspiring us all to become better citizens and stewards of the world.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I have had the opportunity to participate in a number of exhibitions since 2015. A full list of my exhibitions can be viewed on my website.
My more recent showings are:
2022 - Galerie Olivier Bijon, Arles, France - Solo Show (July 1 - August 1).
- Betsy Hotel Miami Beach, Solo Show.
- The Sounds of Freedom Exhibit.2021 - Context Art Miami 2021. Miami Art Basel Week 1 Herald Plaza, Downtown Miami.
- United Nations Climate Change Summit, Harbinger Exhibit, Glasgow Scottland.2019 - Context Art Miami 2019. Miami Art Basel Week 1 Herald Plaza, Downtown Miami.
- Centre Pompadour, Laboratorie du Neofeminisme. Artist Residency Normandy, France.
- Sounds of Freedom. Editing and publication June - November.
- Art New York 2019. Frieze New York Art Week. Pier 92-94 Manhattan.2018 - Context Art Miami. Miami Art Basel Week.
- Perez Art Museum, World Aids Day. Biscayne Blvd. International Aids Awareness Day.
- Chateau d Orquevaux. Artist Residency Orquevaux France.
- Art New York, 2018
- Pier 92 - 94,Manhattan, NYC.
- Espinasse31 Artist Residency,. Milan Italy. Art F**ks Fashion Exhibit, Milan Fashion Week.”
