Perspextives

From her studio in Kommetjie, LEAH ROLANDO creates captivating TRANSLUCENT ART that builds on the tradition of ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM. She talks to us about her process and inspiration.

- STEVE SMITH

"I'VE ALWAYS LOVED ART DECO - MY HOME HAS LOTS OF ART DECO FURNITURE IN IT- AND THESE SHAPES COME TO ME WHEN I'M DAYDREAMING."

What Leah hasn't fooled is gallerists, or savvy early adopter art buyers.

A passing glance may register simple graphic shapes, but there's a sophistication here that nods to US expressionist Helen Frankenthaler's groundbreaking soak-stain paintings, Dan Flavin's fluorescent light installations, and Henri Matisse's cutouts. Her work has been picked up by Everard Read gallery, and she's had successful group and solo exhibitions at Open Studios Kommetjie and Art Under the Bed.

• ORIGIN STORY

■ Leah's path to art photography has had a few gentle curves in it. After studying film and working in the film industry, she did a stint as a multimedia producer for a big media house, before packing that in for an extended holiday in Asia. During her travels, armed with a bottom-of-the-range professional camera, she took up street photography, which provided her with a more hands-on creative experience.

Once back in South Africa, she carved out a career as a product photographer - something that really kicked off during the Covid lockdowns as brands needed their products photographed for online shopping. “It became a bit of a niche for me, which is basically what my art is - it's product photography with a very small, very controlled set.