Conrad Leach

Conrad Leach was born in Canterbury, Kent, UK and attended Ravensbourne College of Art and Design and Middlesex Polytechnic. After 15 years years in the fashion industry, Leach began painting full time in 2002. His first solo show “Players’ at the APART gallery in London bought him great acclaim, and he was subsequently selected for an artist in residenceposition at the Louis Vuitton CELUX project in Tokyo. A position he held for six years. In 2005 he was selected to paint a series of Norwegian cultural icons as part of their 100 years of independence. The paintings were exhibited at the Grand Hotel in the centre of Oslo; his portrait of Henrik Ibsen is now the visual identity of the Ibsen museum. In 2008 he showed a series of large-scale motorcycle related paintings at The Legend of the Motorcycle Concours event at the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay CA. This was followed by a second motorcycle related show in Los Angeles. In 2014 Conrad relocated to Los Angeles and is currently producing new work and is represented in the USA by Timothy Yarger Fine Art.

Photo - Nathan Small

Japan

As a former designer and development consultant for prominent fashion brands, Conrad transitioned to full-time painting in 2002 after the success of his inaugural solo show in London. His artistic journey expanded internationally as he became the Artist in Residence for the Louis Vuitton CELUX project in Omotesando, Tokyo. Offering a salon style experience which resulted in a portrait of the guest.

“As an outsider looking in, I am impressed with Japans deep and long cultural tradition -
I have always been inspired by Japanese Aesthetic "
-Conrad Leach

Leach pioneered the concept of 'Pop Ukiyo-e,' leading to a series of captivating portraits depicting Japanese society. This venture also produced two large-scale paintings showcased at the Kamizono-cho residence in Yoyogi Park.

The RE-POP JAPAN show draws from the street level Japanese cultural tradition of Ukiyo-e, blending it with modern day pop culture and it reminds us what a diverse and vibrant place Japan is, and always has been.

The almost 'punk' attitude towards the subject matter which delighted, thrilled and engaged the population has always existed in Japan. The subversion of the meaning of the word 'Ukiyo-e' by it's early practitioners confirms this attitude. This spirit continues unbroken in the best of today’s public entertainment figures.

Both professional and personal life was recorded.

United States

Leach's enduring association with vintage motorcycles culminated in the exhibit UNITED STATE, which showcases Leach's ability to seamlessly merge art and the motorsport world.

“The United State paintings represent the unique aesthetic created when two cultures are combined.”
-Conrad Leach

In 2008, he showed a series of large-scale motorcycle related paintings for the Legend of the Motorcycle Concours in Half Moon Bay, CA. In 2013, a second motorcycle related show examining the unique relationship between the United Kingdom and United States titled UNITED STATE was presented in Los Angeles, CA.

Conrad seamlessly intertwines his passion for motorsports with his artistic pursuits, creating a dynamic synergy that’s displayed his work. His creativity showcases an intimate understanding of culture, art, fashion, and motorsports that results in iconic paintings.

His studio relocated from London to Los Angeles in 2014, where new work is currently in progress. Inspired by the relocation, initially with observations on Los Angeles, the first presentation of this new work was the exhibition FACADE. The themes around the evolution of California are starting to appear in this new body of work.

“My current work is a study of Los Angeles and America from
the dream, through an outsiders lens, to the reality.”
-Conrad Leach

“Conrad locates this work within mythical and historical contexts to conceptualize his idea of cinematic cityscapes that unite the classical of the past, present and the future. Conrad explores the ideas of interiority and exteriority, illusion and allusion, expansion and contraction that give shape to memory and imagination”. - Anna Dusi, Curator.

Since his representation by Timothy Yarger Fine Art in Los Angeles Conrad has revisited the concept of prized possessions. This has resulted in a series of automotive portraits in the spirit of the 18th and 19th century horse painters.

United Kingdom

Paradise Lost was a selection of work exhibited at The Gauntlett Gallery in London. It dealt with historic events and undertakings that we now impossible to repeat. Paying tribute to the extraordinary thinking that took place inorder to make events a reality.

“There was a time in the not so distant past when extraordinary events and acts of courage and bravery were world-wide attention grabbing events. Paradise Lost was drawing from these moments and celebrating things that are gone forever but not forgotten.”

-Conrad Leach

@conradleachstudio

Take a look at Conrad's IG for behind-the-scenes glimpses of his artistic process, art adventures, and access of motorsports culture.

Get In Touch

Feel free to contact us with your inquiries, collaborations, custom requests, or to acquire an existing piece. We look forward to connecting with you.