Interview

Sep 14

Leyla Milou

Leyla’s works exude dynamism, strength and enormous freedom. She inspires international art collectors and curators. Within a few years, she has won a large audience and is considered a sought-after newcomer. She draws incessantly and compares herself to a volcano in eruption. Within 1.5 years, she has produced around 140 works. When Corona's world of work came to a temporary standstill, the self-taught Swiss artist ventured out into the public eye after years of quiet creativity. This was followed by an unexpected wave of response and messages from all over the world, from people who were emotionally touched by her works. Since then, as if in a frenzy, she has been painting ever new ideas in her studio in Bern, Switzerland.

Humanity and diversity are at the centre of her work. According to her, her style can best be described as expressionistic figuration - whether on canvas or with sculptures. Few artists are able to combine abstraction and figuration in such a diverse way, always incorporating new ways and techniques. It seems as if this artist is in constant motion. She describes rotation as the only way to realize her full potential in the time of her existence. Her art is reminiscent of the pleasurable and intense life. Leyla's work guides people not to fall into habits, but to remain open. Thus, out of pure curiosity, the artist explored the millennia-old encaustic technique. Layer by layer, a medium of beeswax and resin is applied with a Bunsen burner. This technique is older than oil painting and was long forgotten after Greco-Roman antiquity. Leyla Milou redefines it in abstract form in a hitherto unknown way. The only thing that seems predictable about this artist is a contemporary and extensive life's work.

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What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“When the working world of Corona was conditionally dormant, I, as a self-taught artist, ventured into the public sphere after years of silent creation. An unexpected wave of response followed. Since then, I have been painting in my studio in Bern as if in a frenzy. Within 1.5 years, I created over 140 paintings and sculptures. Working artificially is a vocation for me. I can't turn off my creativity, it has to come out of me like lava from a volcano. Since then, my life has changed radically and is dedicated to art.”

What inspires you?

“I am fascinated by people. Their bodies, their emotions and their stories seduce me again and again. This enormous diversity inspires my work in the most diverse ways. The individuality of the individual drives me and always provides new impulses.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“My work reminds the viewer of the energetic moments of life - but also of what is missing. This dispute with ourselves is necessary to free ourselves. Too many are stuck, dissatisfied with life or in constant search. I miss the passion and individuality in our society. The question of my own physical and spiritual liberation shapes my life, and from this also follows the confrontation with social norms, values and my own dynamics.”

“The individuality of the individual drives me and always provides new impulses.”

How would you describe your work?

“I combine abstract and figurative painting. My style can therefore best be described as expressionist figuration. My technique is characterized by dynamism and the joy of experimentation. If art does not arise spontaneously, it is dead. Repetition bores me. I cannot reduce myself to one technique or one style. Only through permanent rotation am I able to exploit my full potential.”

Which artists influence you most?

“I follow many artists of different kinds. But I feel connected to the British artist Maggi Hambling. She speaks from my heart in that she sees art as something that comes out of you and empties you while painting in a conversation with the canvas. Admittedly, I also have a soft spot for this woman's outstanding personality!”

What is your creative process like?

“Playing and dancing with my imagination. I have a vision and while painting I redefine it in response to what comes out of me. I like never knowing what exactly is happening. This letting go of a fixed idea and letting go of what is in front of your eyes is like dancing.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“Artists have a great importance for the reflection of society, of one's own experience or the representation of boundaries. They are like a mirror of their time and are there to stir people up, to give impulses or even to heal. I see my role as liberating.”