Meet Jesús Leonardo
Meet Jesús Leonardo, a Madrid-based photographer whose work is a vibrant intersection of past and present. Educated at Central Saint Martins and further refined at the London College, Leonardo’s craft is deeply rooted in the rich visual lexicon of the late ‘90s and early 2000s — a period characterized by its bold fashion campaigns, iconic album covers, and the emergence of digital culture.
Through a lens that balances modernity with a touch of nostalgia, Leonardo captures the essence of sensuality and emotion, employing digital manipulation to introduce surreal elements into his compositions. His aesthetic is a dialogue between the vintage and the contemporary, marked by vivid colors, minimalist undertones, and a playful exploration of light and texture.
What techniques do you employ to fuse the sensuality and warmth of the late 90s and early 2000s with your distinctive melancholic tones in your photographs?
Utilizing various techniques, I achieve this unique fusion in my photographs. Firstly, I focus on capturing shiny skins that freely express sensuality. Additionally, I employ saturated colors to create a sense of warmth and depth in my images. To add dynamism and movement, I often incorporate scenes that convey a sense of constant flow. I use wind movements to generate a sense of motion and add a touch of drama to my photographs. All of this is combined with an emotional narrative that evokes feelings and immerses you in the present moment.
How do the specific aesthetics of pop culture magazines and CD covers from your formative years influence your choice of lighting, color, and texture in your work?
During my adolescence, I remember passing by newsstands and being absorbed in fashion magazines (I still do). I was intrigued by their content and couldn't help but buy them to browse through them and let my mind wander in those photographs. I was not only interested in the editorial fashion content but also fascinated by the advertisements, especially the double-page fashion campaigns. On the other hand, I have always felt a great fascination for music. Music videos have inspired me enormously, especially those with creativity and surrealism, like Bjork's "Human Behavior" or Chris Cunningham's videos. Specifically, I loved the covers of R&B or pop albums from the 2000s. The bright colors and the free portrayal of sexuality created electrifying worlds that deeply impacted me. This influence is reflected in my work through my choice of lighting, color, and texture, where I seek to capture the energy and vitality that inspired
In your collaborations with notable brands and muses, how do you approach maintaining your unique visual style while balancing various creative demands?
Fortunately, all the projects I undertake involve clients or collaborators who seek my essence - my style. This allows me to create the desired image seamlessly. Often, I need to adapt to ensure that the clothing or styling details are captured in the photo. However, I always find a balance between the commercial and creative aspects, ultimately letting myself be guided by the flow of the project.
Could you elaborate on your method for incorporating digital manipulation to enhance the nostalgic and surreal qualities of your images?
I've always been drawn to liminal spaces—those on the border between the real and the surreal. I love mixing ethereal and simple locations, incorporating natural elements like sunsets, mountains, ocean waves, and more. This blend allows me to create new worlds within my photographs. While I enjoy studio photography with artificial lighting, I also like integrating outdoor settings such as sunsets and mountains.
Can you describe a project where your instinctual approach significantly impacted the creative direction and final presentation of your photographs?
There's a personal project where my intuition played a crucial role in its creation. In my day-to-day life, I'm always observing my surroundings. I find inspiration in mundane activities like walking down the street and observing. During a period, I kept seeing chess everywhere. I stumbled upon a chess piece on the street, then encountered a store selling the game, and later noticed someone wearing a T-shirt with a checkered pattern resembling a chessboard.
At that moment, I felt compelled to do something with these visions, and so I did. The result was a wonderful personal project that I'm very proud of.
Reflecting on your education and growth as a photographer, how do you envision evolving your artistic approach in future projects, and are there new themes or techniques you're eager to explore?
Absolutely! Currently, I'm experimenting with videos and AI. I have a collaborative project with HUMA, a couple of ambient music artists, who have been very successful. I'm grateful they want to explore this area with me.
Additionally, I'll be starting a training program for creating music videos. I'm very excited about it! Here's a sample:
Nostalgia - “I envision an aurora borealis backdrop where thoughts of the past seem to linger in solitude.”
Artwork by Ana Rujas, Spanish actress. Jesus Leonardo. Courtesy of the artist.
Innovation - “Experimenting with textures, movement, and surrealism.”
Artwork by TV Channel. Jesus Leonardo. Courtesy of the artist.
Sensuality - Free sexuality
Jaded London Campaign. Jesus Leonardo. Courtesy of the artist.
Melancholy - A sofa in a minimalist and ethereal setting, with a girl wearing a melancholic expression, waiting for something unknown. Yet, we've all felt like her at some point.
"Waiting", Jesus Leonardo. Courtesy of the artist.
Diversity - My goal is to convey my personal vision through my photographs; diversity plays a crucial role in my work. Creating a safe space for everyone, both in front of and behind the camera.
Diesel Fragrance Campaign. Jesus Leonardo. Courtesy of the artist.
As we wrap up our discussion with Jesús Leonardo, what becomes clear is his unique ability to navigate the complexities of visual storytelling. His photography invites viewers into a world where the boundaries between the real and the surreal blur, creating spaces that are at once familiar and entirely new. Leonardo’s forward-thinking approach, coupled with a willingness to explore new mediums and technologies, positions him as a photographer not just of the moment but for the future. His work stands as a compelling invitation to view the world through a lens that is rich with color, emotion, and depth.
