Leon Fernandes | Visual Artist

I create to stay alive, but more importantly, I create to blossom.

My work isn’t just about my survival; it’s about making meaning, or at least finding rewarding distraction. Whether through painting, textiles, audio, or other objects, I find purpose in the process. Some pieces are made to be seen, some are not. Most of what I make is still unfolding.

Creating is both a necessity and a way of finding joy, connection, and insight. It’s a way to explore the world around me — the beauty, the chaos, and the things that words can't wrap around.

My practice draws on my background in community work and activism, particularly with marginalised groups. I believe that art can be a tool for creating meaning in both personal and collective ways.

I’ve worked in places like India, Indonesia, and the Sahara Desert, finding inspiration in the world’s contrasts. I live in Newtown, Sydney.

Solo Exhibitions

2024: Finding Light in Shadows: Vincent's Irises Reimagined. Downing Centre, Sydney.
2023: Pride. ESD Gallery, Sydney.
2022: Curious Odysseys. Downing Centre, Sydney
2022: Major works. ESD Gallery, Sydney
2019: Bunnings: the Embroideries. ESD Gallery, Sydney
2018: Spring Awakening. MLC Gallery, Sydney
2017: Krishna in Erskineville. ESD Gallery, Sydney
2015: Threaded Skulls and Tsunamis. ESD Gallery, Sydney
2015: Paintings and Embroideries. Scratch Art Space, Sydney
2014: The Spring Show. ESD Gallery, Sydney
2009: Paintings. Arthouse Gallery, Sydney
2009: Paintings. Berkelouw Cafe Gallery, Sydney
2008: Paintings. Blankspace, Sydney

Group Exhibitions

2023: Art of Darkness. Lennox St Open Studios, Sydney
2022: Beyond the Bell Curve. Lennox St Open Studios, Sydney:
2021: Locked Down. Lennox St Open Studios, Sydney
2021: Landscapes. Joint exhibition with April White. ESD Gallery, Sydney
2019: Birds and the Bees: Joint exhibition with April White. MLC Gallery, Sydney
2019: Newtopia: 6 local artists. MLC Gallery, Sydney
2018: Hindu Deities. Lennox St Open Studios, Sydney
2017: Primavera. Lennox St Open Studios, Sydney
2017: New works. Cafe Tissardmine. Rissani. Saharan Morocco.
2016: Vignettes from the Heart. Lennox St Open Studios, Sydney
2016: bentART. School of Arts, Wentworth Falls
2015: Grief and Loss. Lennox St Open Studios, Sydney:
2015: Happy Hour: dedicated to Johnny Merkouris. Gaffa Gallery
2015: bentART. School of Arts, Wentworth Falls
2014: Slow Hands. Gaffa Gallery, Sydney
2014: bentART. School of Arts, Wentworth Falls
2009: Buzz. Global Gallery, Sydney

Public Commissions

2023: Progress Shark mural. Museum of Sydney.
2022: The Girl in the Tree. National Gallery of Victoria: Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse

Residencies

2017: Café Tissardmine, Sahara Desert, Morocco (4 weeks)
2016: Brahma Tirta Sari: batik residency, Jogjakarta, Indonesia (2 weeks)

Awards

2021: Finalist: Gosford Art Prize
2021: Highly Commended: BentArt. School of Arts, Wentworth Falls.
2021: Finalist: The Blake Prize, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
2016: Winner: Special Category “Celebration” bentART, Wentworth Falls
2014: Winner: Special Category “Celebration” bentART, Wentworth Falls
2008: Winner: Avant Carde Artist Project competition

Publications

Race, K. The Gay Science: Intimate Experiments with the Problem of HIV (2018): “Krishna in Erskineville” (essay)