Exploring the Journey and Interconnectedness of Contemporary Artist Leah de Oliveira: A Reflection of Humor, Tradition, and Digital Overload
- Jan 4, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 11
In the dynamic world of contemporary art, where themes like humor, introspection, and interconnectedness redefine creative expression, Leah de Oliveira emerges as a standout voice. Known for her ability to seamlessly blend traditional art techniques with modern themes, Leah’s work explores profound topics such as digital overload, societal norms, and the complexities of the human condition. Through her mastery of oil painting, ceramic sculpture, and assemblage, she challenges perceptions and invites deep reflection. Selfless Art Gallery had the privilege of sitting down with Leah to uncover her artistic journey, inspirations, and unique creative process. Here’s how the conversation unfolded.
Itapoan » e mede 65 x 54 cm
Q: Walk us through your background , your upbringing, schooling, and those early experiences that have shaped your journey as an artist.
A: Well, I see art as a spiritual journey, and the way you move through it is something you have to discover on your own. I was born and raised in a very privileged environment shaped by values rooted in capitalism and patriarchy, and the only way to access that inner space and build a genuine relationship with myself based on spiritual growth was to cut myself off from that world and start living in the present moment. That is when and how I became an artist, by redefining the ethical rules that would guide my life rather than relying on years of inherited conditioning. It became a matter of looking at things with a new perspective, more empirical and more liberated, which ultimately made life itself my institution. I eventually took a one‑way ticket to Paris and have been enjoying the journey ever since.
Q: Your work brilliantly balances humor, sarcasm, and introspection. How did you develop this unique artistic voice, and what inspired you to take this approach?
A: "Art is the distance that time gives to suffering. It is man’s transcendence in relation to himself,” once said Albert Camus. I believe that this applies to humor as well. I would even claim that, in fact, art and humor are inherent. When you choose to take life with less severity and start distancing yourself from the character you’ve been embodying, the hidden aspects of life that first seemed tragic magically transform into something quite laughable. By distancing yourself, you create space that will alter the way you respond to life; and as an artist, I felt the urge not only to spiritually create that for myself but also for others by materializing the laughter I was having into paintings or objects, all provoked by the spectacular human comedy I was thrown into the day I was born.
Q: During our initial conversation, you mentioned that when you first moved to Paris, you became obsessed with literature. How has this passion influenced your art and creative process? What books have made a significant impact on you?
A: Literature helped me understand the connections between all artistic disciplines, whether written works, visual art, or film, and how they relate to life as an experience. Many of the books I read emphasized the limits placed on human freedom, which led me to see that artists, regardless of their medium, create philosophical objects that encourage others to question. This feels especially true in literature, where books are less likely to be consumed quickly and overlooked. That perspective shaped how I want to approach art, with a desire for clarity and transparency that still unsettles. I was deeply influenced by the complete works of Franz Kafka, whose remarkable imagination continues to fascinate people today.
Q: Building on that, you’ve mentioned that technology plays a significant role in your work. How has your personal experience with digital overload influenced your creative process and the messages you convey?
A: I was still very young when I first joined social media, at a time when it was just emerging, and I had no real sense of discernment. The Internet ended up taking a lot from me: my interest in concrete things, my ability to reflect deeply, and even my capacity to distinguish between experiences that were virtual and those that were essential. That lasted for ten years. When I finally stepped away from it, I realized how many people were still completely trapped and had lost control over their online consumption. This is something we need to challenge as human beings because it puts our sense of mindfulness at risk. That concern naturally led me to integrate technology into my artwork as a way to take a stand against the harm it can cause.
Q: How do you balance your masterful traditional techniques with the contemporary themes and humor in your work, and how has assemblage become part of your artistic practice?
A: Although I now lean toward a more surrealistic approach and explore subjects that are not strictly Eurocentric, copying from the great masters, or rather reinterpreting them, has been an extraordinary exercise for me. It allows artists to stay rooted in tradition while developing technical skills, and in some cases, as seen in Botero’s pastiches, to create altered works that express something new or carry different symbols. I became interested in extracting familiar figures from our collective unconscious, such as Marianne, from their original contexts and incorporating them into new art objects. By drawing on their symbolic significance, I aim to reveal something specific about our own time.
Q: How do you approach exploring and expressing the concept of interconnectedness in your work, and what inspired your interest in highlighting how things are linked?
A: On the esthetical level, I’d say by adopting an attitude that allows me to always switch perspectives by diving into subjects whose essence differs, whether it’s political, sociological, poetical, metaphysical, sometimes more personal. Also by juxtaposing elements that sometimes clash, incorporating well-known art references that might emphasize timeless issues, focusing on details when it comes to more “trivial” matters. On a more ideological level, I believe that approaching art through interconnectedness is an act of resistance against the overly bureaucratic world we live in; it allows anyone who uses it as an approach to see what’s going on as a whole and not through divided sections.
« Triptyque », Huile sur toile… En relief. 61 x 50 cm.
Q: Looking deeper, your art invites viewers to laugh while reflecting deeply on social absurdities. How do you ensure this balance resonates universally without losing its edge?
A: I partially approach painting by focusing on tension, by exploring couples of dialectics and gaps between antitheses. I’m looking for balance, so for a spectrum like contestation / laughter, I believe that the perfect equilibrium would lie within a burlesque, clownish approach which has the power to enhance both aspects – that does not always provoke laughter, but also embarrassment, misunderstanding, and surprise. Those, to me, are the few driving forces that can initiate real deep questioning within the spectator.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give to emerging artists striving to create work that is both thought-provoking and accessible?
A: I would advise them, especially if they are around my age, to log out of the Internet for a while and start reading intensely. Social media paralyzes us. Many people, including artists, get trapped in an individualistic, ego‑driven system where the number of likes becomes the only measure of value. To create art with real power, it is important to maintain distance from these technologies while continuing to feed your mind thoughtfully. Be disciplined about it. You will likely overcome many fears and create enough inner space to express what truly needs to be expressed in the most unapologetic way. That, in itself, is art.
In conclusion, Leah’s journey is a testament to the power of introspection, humor, and tradition in navigating the complexities of modern life. Her work challenges audiences to laugh, question, and reflect, offering a refreshing and much-needed perspective in today’s art world. Through her mastery of technique and critical engagement with contemporary themes, Leah invites us all to see the world—and ourselves—with newfound clarity.
To see more of Leah de Oliveira's incredible work and stay updated on her latest projects, be sure to follow her on Instagram ! Disclaimer:
The views, opinions, and perspectives expressed by artists featured, interviewed, or presented on this site are solely those of the respective individuals. They do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs, or opinions of Selfless Art Gallery, its staff, or affiliates.
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