Xavier Laurent Leopold, born in 1992 to a Sierra Leonean father and a Martinician mother, is a multidisciplinary artist, illustrator, author, and lecturer hailing from South London, UK. His artistic exploration delves into concepts such as time, introspection, faith, relationships, and legacy. Having recently been awarded the Sir Frank Bowling Scholarship, Leopold is currently pursuing this MA in Sculpture at Royal College of Art, London.
His artistic journey began during the 2020 lockdown, a period of global slowdown amidst social and political unrest. For Xavier, art became a source of personal therapy and a form of escapism for his audiences. He is an avid advocate for mental health and is notably a Place2Be champion, supporting the children's mental health charity for which Catherine Middleton is a patron. In 2020, he raised £65,000 for the advancement of the work of Black Minds Matter UK.
Xavier further contributes to education by serving as a visiting lecturer at universities such as Sotheby's Institute and the University of East London, lending his voice and knowledge to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Additionally, Xavier sits on the Board of Trustees for The Africa Center, an organisation promoting African art and culture in the diaspora.
Xavier has showcased his work in various London exhibitions, including two solo shows. Recently, his work was hung alongside old masters such as Jean-Michel Basquiat in Brooklyn, New York, and he has also exhibited in shows with Mall Galleries and Sotheby's Institute. His book, Art For The Heart, is distributed globally and can be found on the shelves of institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and Tate Modern. The activity journal promotes mental wellbeing through creative expression for children aged 7-12 and Xavier facilitates creative workshops based on its themes at schools and literature fairs across the UK.
St James’ C of E Primary School in Bermondsey inaugurated a newly named class, ‘Leopold,’ in honour of Xavier. Leopold’s name will join the ranks of illustrious artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso, and Matisse in the school’s new initiative to name classes after renowned artists.
Additionally, Xavier frequently participates in panel discussions sharing his world view and unique insights. He has also sat on appraisal and judging panels for both art and children’s literature.
Balancing his artistic pursuits, Xavier also has a professional career as a city trader. This dual expertise reflects his belief in the power of versatility and embracing multiple paths in life, challenging conventional career norms and inspiring others to explore their unique combinations of talents and interests.
Legacy, Group exhibition, exhibited alongside the late Jean Michel Basquiat, The Bishop Gallery, Brooklyn NYC (2024)
Christies Inc, Christies Lates Group Exhibition, London (2024 )
HSBC HQ, Quasar Group Exhibition, London (2024)
‘Reclaiming Narratives’ Group Exhibition, Liberty London (2024)
How Do We Reconcile, Group Exhibition, Copeland Gallery (2024)
Dakar Biennale, Past, Present Future, OFF Programme, Senegal (2024)
Brixton Studios, Soho House, ‘Art For The Heart’ Children's Workshop (2021)
'Art For The Heart' Published, Hachette Book Group Publishing (2022)
Edinburgh Book Festival Delivered ‘Art For The Heart’ Children's workshop (2022)
£65,000 raised for Black Minds Matter UK through inaugural solo exhibition (2020)