KEVIN LEDO INTERVIEW
““I’m definitely driven by social activism in my public artwork, to the point that I almost feel a responsibility to say something with my work. It is indeed important for me to stay true to my beliefs, and do what I can, but sometimes it can’t only be about what ideas I want to convey because I do take on commissions from time to time.””
Much of your early work was rooted in realism and portraiture, yet in recent years you've embraced abstraction in increasingly bold ways. Looking back, what sparked this creative shift, and how has exploring colour, geometry, and form changed your relationship with painting?
Yeah very interesting how our minds work and change over time. I've always had an appreciation for certain types of abstract art, although I thought most of it was garbage.
With time in my own career, I began integrating abstract geometry to accentuate and give deeper dimension to my portraits, until I realized that perhaps these shapes and colours can hold their own, without realistic representation.
I challenged myself to make large scale works, without anything but colour and shape. I focussed on mark making, colour, texture and composition, and eventually, I found myself in a blissful state of painting.
Letting go of technical precision was a joy, while getting lost in experimentation. The results are quite simple, and I almost feel guilty for not labouring for a week on an artwork, but I'm quite satisfied with discovering this new outlet for my creativity.
As I still do paint portraits, I'm finding that this abstract work is actually informing and influencing how I approach them.
Whether painting large-scale murals or creating work in the studio, your art consistently reflects a deep concern for social justice, equality, and human connection. How important is it for your creative practice to remain aligned with your personal values, and how do you balance activism with the realities of working as a professional artist?
I'm definitely driven by social activism in my public artwork, to the point that I almost feel a responsibility to say something with my work.
It is indeed important for me to stay true to my beliefs, and do what I can, but sometimes it can't only be about what ideas I want to convey because I do take on commissions from time to time.
I do, however, only take on commissions that line up with my worldview and interests.
One advantage of taking on commissions is that it forces me to break away from modus operandi and sometimes push my boundaries. It also doesn't hurt to get the financial compensation that allows more freedom for passion projects.
Social media has transformed the way artists share their work, creating unprecedented opportunities for exposure while also introducing new pressures and expectations. As someone who has built an international audience online, how do you navigate that relationship while staying grounded and authentic?
Well, I try to stay as authentic as possible, but social media is one-sided, and only encourages the promotion of how 'amazing' our lives are going.
It has definitely helped me get the word out about my work, and help expand my career, but it has also been detrimental at times to the point that I needed to take a break.
I enjoy it as much as I detest it.
It's not exactly a healthy relationship for most people, and it often leaves us feeling inadequate unless one learns to become zen with it.
Perhaps a new branch of Buddhist training will emerge where one must learn to stay true to themselves while sharing their life on social media.
Your monumental Leonard Cohen mural has become one of Montreal's most recognizable cultural landmarks, forever linking your work with one of Canada's most beloved artists. What does it mean to leave such a lasting mark on your hometown, and how do you reflect on the impact that piece continues to have today?
To literally make a giant mark on one's own city is a good feeling.
It has become a landmark and destination which is something that I am proud of.
It is strange now how I have become tied to a musical legend, but definitely an honour to hold, particularly because it's a legend that I adore.