Legacy
20th April, 2024 until 27th April, 2024
The Bishop Gallery
630 Flushing Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11206
Xavier Laurent Leopold, an emerging multidisciplinary artist, is honoured to announce his participation in the group exhibition ‘Legacy’ at The Bishop Gallery, a distinguished black-owned gallery in Brooklyn, New York. The exhibition which opened on 20th April, and will show until 27th April, features Leopold’s work, ‘Perseverance Personified’, displayed alongside an original early work by the iconic Jean-Michel Basquiat.
“I have always admired and been deeply inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat’s works. As self-taught artists with Creole heritage, it feels particularly poignant to have my work exhibited alongside his, especially here in New York, Basquiat’s home city,” says Leopold. “This opportunity allows me to not only share my narrative but also to resonate with the enduring legacy of a fellow trailblazer in the art world.”
Image courtesy of the artist and The Bishop Gallery
Discovering his artistry during the challenging times of the pandemic in 2020 and while working as a full time City Trader, Leopold has rapidly ascended in the art scene. His artistic endeavors have led him to showcase his work at two solo exhibitions in London and various group exhibitions across Europe.
In 2023, Leopold expanded the boundaries of his practice by venturing into the realm of sculpture, debuting his first piece at the prestigious Mall Galleries. Demonstrating his commitment to perfecting his craft, Leopold was recently accepted into the Royal College of Arts for an MA in Sculpture for the 2024/2025 academic year.
Jean-Michel Basquiat early work
Image courtesy of the artist and The Bishop Gallery
Leopold’s commitment to philanthropy and social activism extends across his multifaceted efforts to promote mental wellness. Notably, Xavier authored and illustrated Art for The Heart in 2022, a children’s fill in and activity journal aimed at fostering mental wellness through creativity.
This influential book is globally distributed, including in prestigious institutions like MoMA New York and the Tate in London. It is also part of the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton. He delivers workshops based on the book in London primary schools.
Additionally, Xavier has raised £65,000 for the charity Black Minds Matter UK, reinforcing his dedication to mental health advocacy. Xavier is a ‘Champion’ of Place2Be, a charity under the patronage of The Princess of Wales, Catherine Middleton.
Xavier Laurent Leopold, Perseverance Personified, 2023 alongside Jean-Michel Basquiat work
Image courtesy of the artist and The Bishop Gallery
Leopold’s influence extends beyond his artwork and philanthropic endeavors into the academic and cultural spheres. He has shared his expertise as a guest lecturer at the University of East London, where he has enriched the educational experience with his insights on art and creativity. Further solidifying his role as a thought leader, Xavier has participated as a panellist at several notable events. Most recently, he lent his voice to ‘Together We Thrive,’ a fundraising event curated by Sotheby’s Institute and Culture&, where he discussed diversity in the art world.
Image courtesy of the artist and The Bishop Gallery
Born in 1992 in Freetown, Sierra Leone, to a Sierra Leonean father and a Martiniquais mother, Xavier now resides in South London. Art enthusiasts and critics are invited to explore the profound narratives and visual explorations of Xavier Laurent Leopold during the ‘Legacy’ exhibition at The Bishop Gallery
Legacy opens on the 20th April, 2024 until 27th April, 2024 at The Bishop Gallery
Stay updated with Leopold’s latest artworks and projects by visiting his website at here. Instagram
©2024 The Bishop Gallery, Xavier Laurent Leopold
Art Plugged is a contemporary platform inspired by a relationship with the broader arts communities. We provide our audience with curated insight into the world of art, from exhibitions to artist interviews and more.
