Leslie Pino Durant

As a mixed media artist, I channel a rollercoaster of emotions into my work, reveling in the joy of creating something entirely new. My process is spontaneous and uncharted, fueled by the thrill of exploration and discovery. Each piece begins with vibrant chaos — collage, mark-making, and texture — then gradually moves toward structure as the story emerges. Bright acrylics, bold shapes, and layered surfaces become my language for expressing the full spectrum of human feeling. At the heart of my work are strong women — often in groups — standing together in solidarity, friendship, and sisterhood. They appear in their finest, dressed in radiant colors, embodying resilience, beauty, and mutual support. These figures are more than portraits; they are testaments to connection, empowerment, and shared strength. I draw inspiration from artists like Shara Hughes, Andrew Salgado, and Jose Cacho, whose lively colors and provocative imagery resonate in my work. Jean-Michel Basquiat’s fearless strokes and raw energy influence my own bold, intuitive approach. My subjects range from figures and words to animals and florals, each holding an untold narrative. While the act of creation in my studio is deeply personal, my work truly comes alive when it connects with others. I hope viewers find fragments of their own stories in the layered colors and textures — moments of recognition, empowerment, or joy hidden in the sometimes colorful chaos.

Leslie Pino Durant (Belen, New Mexico, USA) is a mixed-media artist based in Placitas, New Mexico. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Leslie began painting in her late 40s as a therapeutic outlet to calm her mind and body. What began as a personal refuge soon blossomed into a transformative journey of artistic exploration, learning, and growth. Leslie creates mixed media pieces on canvas, wood, and paper. Since debuting her work in 2020, Leslie has exhibited in galleries across New Mexico, online platforms, publications, and across social media. Her art has graced the cover of The International Journal of MS Care and has been featured in the MSAA Art Showcases (2020-2025).

2-D, Collage/Mixed Media, Painting (all materials), Printmaking/Lithography