Xavier Laurent Leopold (b.1992, Sierra Leone) is a multi-disciplinary artist and author, living and working in London, UK. The artist explores abstract portraiture and cubism through concepts such a time, introspection, faith, relationships and legacy. Leopold depicts bold characters focusing back on the audience – an arresting way to convey direct emotions from the artist to the viewer.
Discovering his artistry during the challenging times of the pandemic in 2020 and while
working as a full time City Trader, Leopold has rapidly ascended in the art scene. His artistic
endeavors have led him to showcase his work at two solo exhibitions (one supported by Beats by Dre) in London and various group exhibitions across Europe and North America.
working as a full time City Trader, Leopold has rapidly ascended in the art scene. His artistic
endeavors have led him to showcase his work at two solo exhibitions (one supported by Beats by Dre) in London and various group exhibitions across Europe and North America.
Notably, he has exhibited alongside the iconic Jean-Michel Basquiat in New York, the hometown of the legendary artist, to whom he shares similar cultural ties, both being of Creole descent (Xavier's maternal side being from Martinique, French Carribean)
His work often softly glows in the dark, reflecting on life lessons inherited from his mother during challenging times- “a star shines the brightest in the dark”. When the world was forced to slow down, yet social and political unrest raged, his art has been a source of personal therapy for him, and escapism for his audiences. He has featured on BBC TV, discussing his practice and the launch of his fill in journal and activity book 'Art For The Heart', which focuses on wellbeing and mental health for children.
Xavier will be undergoing his MA in Sculpture at the Royal College of Arts during the 2024/25 academic year.
Exhibitions
Solo Exhibition, Gallery@OXO (2020)
Art Number 23 Group Exhibition, Athens (2021)
Xavier Leopold Exhibition, Soho House White City Studios (2022)
Xavier Leopold Installation, Soho House Brixton Studios (2022)
Holy Art Group Exhibition (2022)
Lounges Cafe Installation, Brixton (2022)
The Lion Mountains Exhibition, Gallery@OXO, Supported by Beats By Dre (2022)
Ambivalent Paradox Group Exhibition, Omaka Gallery (2023)
Plurality Now Group Exhibition, 198 Contemporary Arts Gallery (2023)
Bingham Riverhouse Group Exhibition, Curated by Degree Art (2023)
ING Discerning Eye Group Exhibition, Mall Galleries, selected by Peju Oshin, Gagosian (2023)
Together We Thrive, Sothebys Insitute and Culture&, in collaboration with GalleryOCA (2024)
Legacy, Group exhibition, exhibited alongside the late Jean Michel Basquiat, The Bishop Gallery, Brooklyn NYC (2024)
Legacy, Group exhibition, exhibited alongside the late Jean Michel Basquiat, The Bishop Gallery, Brooklyn NYC (2024)
Side quests
The ‘iCan’ workshop, St.Peters Primary School, Documented by The BBC (2020)
£65,000 raised for Black Minds Matter UK through my inaugural exhibition (2020)
Brixton Studios, Soho House, ‘Art For The Heart’ Children's Workshop (2021)
Edinburgh Book Festival Delivered ‘Art For The Heart’ Children's workshop (2022)
Guest Workshop Facilitator, Kid's Lit Fest, 198 Contemporary Arts Gallery (2024)
Guest Workshop Facilitator, Kid's Lit Fest, Station Hall Herne Hill (2024)
Art Workshop with Knightsbridge School, Place2be Charity and The Week Junior Magazine (2024)
Public Speaking
Guest Speaker at Charter School East Dulwich (Year 7, 2023)
Guest Panelist, Cromwell Place, 'Diversity in the Arts' , led by Jonathan Woolfson, Directors at Sothebys Institute, Hosted by Peju Oshin, Associate Director at Gagosian (2024)
Guest Lecturer at UEL (University Of East London) Foundation Year Students (2024)
Panel Discussion at Design District, Source The Area (2024)
Guest Lecturer at UEL (University Of East London) Post-Grad Students (2024)
Guest Lecturer, Sothebys Institute, Post-Graduate Students (2024)
Notables & collections
Appointed Champion at Place2be Charity, Mental Health Charity, Royal Patron, HRH The Princess of Wales (2024)
Xavier’s art has been acquired by both private as well as corporate collections, the most recent being global management consulting firm Bain & Company.
Art For The Heart has been stocked at institutions such as Museum Of Modern Art (MoMa) and Tate (2023)
Press and coverage
Artplugged New Voices and Old Masters: Xavier Laurent Leopold featured alongside Jean-Michel Basquiat in debut New York exhibition
Financial TImes Together We Thrive, Sothebys Institute Fundraising show (2024)
Art Plugged a write up for 'Together We Thrive' Sothebys Institute (2024)
Guap Mag a write up on my debut sculpture (2023)
Art Match a write up ‘Shining in the Dark: Xavier Leopold’ (2023)
Art Plugged a write up of Xavier’s history, intentions, practice and artistry (2022)
BBC News mini documentary of how Xavier discovered art and giving back (2020)
BBC Radio London interview with Jumoke Fashola on Xavier’s art practice and debut children's book (2022)
London Live interview regarding all things Art For The Heart and the Lion Mountains Exhibition (2022)
Armadillo press release on debut book, Art For The Heart (2022)
Sade Magazine press release on debut book, Art For The Heart (2022)
Polo Lifestyles Magazine a write up on Xavier Leopold the artist (2020)
My London a write up on Xavier’s first solo show and story (2020)
Cocoa Girl interviewed by magazine on Xavier Leopold the artist (2022)