For some, being an artist is just a career — but for Leonardo Drew, it’s a way of life. Starting at 9 years old and presenting his first exhibition at 13, Drew began working early on with older artists in the projects of Conn.
AU’s Department of Art hosted “Kinetic: Conversations in Contemporary Art” Sept. 29, a new lecture series that will take place annually at the Katzen Arts Center beginning this fall.
The first speaker of the series was artist Leonardo Drew, whose work is featured in the “30 Americans” exhibition opening at the Corcoran Gallery of Art Oct. 1. Drew has had many exhibitions, both nationally and internationally, from the Art Institute of Chicago to the Tate Modern in London.
“The most important part of art is not the skill, but finding clarity in your work and seeing your path clearly in the journey,” Drew said.
He arrived at Abramson Family Recital Hall at Katzen after just landing from Italy “two seconds ago,” according to Drew.
He announced he did not believe in planned speeches, and would speak of his experiences by “just winging it.” He spoke with a bright smile and his demeanor was welcoming and casual.
It was fascinating to hear his journey as an artist. Starting the lecture, Drew established that this particular event was exceptional, as he rarely conducts lectures because it “takes me away from where I am to where I was, and I would much rather look ahead, than look behind.”
Focusing on his growth, Drew analyzed three pieces in particular, discussing their differences with the audience. Initially, he made paintings of people, then went onto using black material in creating artwork and, after being inspired by a project with Brazilian children, started to use not only self-constructed materials, but also incorporated other ready-made products found outside, adding color to his work.
“In order to see what else you can accomplish, sometimes you have to almost tie your hands to access new aspects of yourself,” Drew said.
“I used to sleep in the bathtub, because all my art work had their own rooms. Let’s just say, I did not have any dates for seven years! Now that’s commitment.”
Sometimes, people who surrounded Drew through this time teased him about being crazy, to which he said, “I would tell everyone I’m an artist and immediately, it was all good.”
Drew’s artwork was all composed of various materials, such as cotton. Any material lying around in the studio was used and reused because it was important for him to “take materials and bend them.”
To Drew, it seems material can always be used in new forms, continuously trying to find its full potential. In fact, Drew said it was critical for him to take the time to discuss his works with security guards of museums hosting his work, as he felt that they spent a lot more time with pieces, perhaps realizing its value further than he himself did.
At the conclusion of the lecture, Drew told the audience that if he could afford them, he would buy them back and re-construct them into new artwork. Drew stated that when there’s material, you can always “test and feel the materials, realizing its capability.”
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