An Interview With:
Ángela Leyva
Ángela Leyva
The Mexican Painter Exploring the Human Psyche Through Art.
Ángela Leyva, born in 1987 in Mexico City, is a distinguished visual artist whose work delves deeply into the complexities of human identity through painting. A graduate of ENPEG “La Esmeralda” and currently pursuing a Master’s in Visual Arts at UNAM, Leyva's artistic evolution has been a journey marked by discovery, refinement, and a deepening commitment to exploring the human psyche.
Leyva’s distinctive style features blurred and distorted faces that reflect the tension between external appearances and internal realities. This approach allows her to probe the complexity of identity, highlighting the struggle between how individuals are perceived and their internal experiences. By intentionally removing or blurring the eyes in her portraits, Leyva shifts the focus away from recognizable features to emphasize the emotional and psychological essence of her subjects.
Her creative process is both meticulous and fluid, beginning with thoughtful reflection and the gathering of archival images. She develops initial sketches that guide the painting process, which evolves organically through the application of mixed techniques and layered glazes. This method allows Leyva to build her works gradually, adapting and modifying as needed to capture the intended emotional depth.
Leyva draws inspiration from a diverse array of sources, including her daily surroundings, psychological studies, literature, film, and rich conversations with friends and colleagues. Her work is also influenced by personal experiences and academic interests in genetics and psychoanalysis. One of her most significant pieces, “Bilis Negra,” represents a pivotal exploration of the body and psyche, encapsulating the enigmatic and introspective nature of her artistic practice.
901: What has your artistic journey looked like up until now? When did you begin to take art seriously and at what point did you realise you had the passion necessary to make it a career?
Angela Leyva: So far, my artistic life has been a journey filled with discoveries, successes, and mistakes—a constant evolution. From my early years as a painter to the "consolidation" of my style and technique, each stage has contributed something valuable to my development. I have experienced various influences and approaches, but I have always remained committed to exploring identity and the human psyche through painting. I began to take art seriously during my teenage years. Although I was involved in drawing and painting from a young age, it was in high school that I decided to fully dedicate myself to it. My time at the visual arts university in Mexico City solidified my decision to pursue an artistic career. I realized my passion when I saw how my work started to resonate with others and provoke emotional responses. The dedication I put into my work and the commitment to overcoming challenges confirmed that I had the drive and determination to make art my career.
Your art is centred around blurred and distorted faces. What is it about this style of portrait that particularly resonates with you?
This style of portraiture resonates with me because it explores the complexity of human identity. The blurred and altered faces reflect the struggle between external perception and internal reality, allowing a deeper exploration of what can be observed and perceived in relation to an individual's unique experience.
You’ve spoken about wanting to convey the complexity of the human experience through your portraits. Could you tell me more about that?
My goal is to capture the essence of human experience beyond superficial appearance. Through distortion and the use of abstract colours and forms, I seek to reflect the emotions, traumas, and internal realities that define each individual, inviting the viewer to a deep reflection on their own existence.
In your words, faces are windows and allow the viewer to explore the diversity of human expression through them. This idea is commonly associated with the eyes of a person in particular. Can you talk me through your artistic choice of either blurring or removing the eyes altogether from your paintings?
I chose to erase or remove the eyes to focus attention on the emotions and internal state of the subject without the distractions that eyes can bring. By doing so, the viewer is confronted with a rawer and more abstract representation of identity, allowing for a deeper connection with the emotional essence of the piece.
Do you believe that the distorted style of your art creates an element of mystery in the paintings? If so, how does this link to the wider themes you hope to convey?
Yes, definitely. The "distorted" style, which I understand more as something that abstracts the essence of form, introduces an element of mystery by obscuring recognizable parts like the eyes, inviting an interpretation of the essence of the image.
Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you approach a new painting from concept to completion?
My creative process begins with reflection and gathering images from archives, often inspired by Dr. Leyva's files. I then develop an initial sketch that serves as a guide, which means sketches emerging from the distortion of those images. Once I move to painting, I let the process evolve organically, adjusting and modifying as needed. The work is built layer by layer using mixed techniques, including glazes, until the final result is achieved. I should note that this is the technique I use currently; I previously used another involving mixed processes, but I’m tired of talking about that.
Where do you find inspiration for your artwork? Are there any specific places, experiences or people that inspire you?
I find inspiration in my everyday surroundings, psychology, and human interactions. Literature, film, and deep conversations with friends and colleagues also play an important role. Personal experiences and the study of sciences such as genetics and psychoanalysis are major sources of inspiration for my work.
What advice would you give to emerging artists trying to find their place in the art world?
My advice would be to stay true to their vision and explore their personal style without fear. Perseverance is key, as is being open to learning and adapting. Embrace challenges and always seek ways to connect with your audience authentically.
Can you share a piece of artwork that is particularly meaningful to you and explain why?
A particularly meaningful piece for me is the “Bilis Negra” installation. This work represents a crucial point in my exploration of the body, which later extended to what I think of as the "psyche." The darkness and enigma surrounding the installation reflect the complexity of an internal state. It is a piece that evokes much for me whenever I think about it and has been fundamental in shaping my concepts.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on what the future holds for you as an artist. What are your hopes and aspirations for your artistic journey in the coming years? And what can your audience look forward to seeing from you next?
In the future, I aspire to continue delving into the exploration of painting and forget everything else. Just painting, and nothing more. My audience can expect more PAINTING.