Meet the Artist: Leonardo Partida Prieto and His ‘EYE See You’ Art Collection

Leonardo Partida Prieto is a Mexican artist based in Abu Dhabi. He explores a plethora of subjects in his artworks, which can be easily spotted due to his use of colors and important social messages, such as Women’s rights and gender equality which he incorporates in his pieces. Using acrylics as his main technique, he tries to give depth to his work by arranging each tint from darker to brighter.

At age 26, he became one of the youngest Mexicans to be selected by the National Society of Fine Arts of Paris to be a part of the renowned “Salon des Beaux-Arts” at the Carrousel du Louvre.

The Arte&Lusso team had the pleasure of interviewing him to ask about his upcoming group exhibition with artists Summayah Al Suwaidi, Alejandra Palos Ortega, and Enrico Di Maria at the Embassy of Mexico in Abu Dhabi. Leonardo Partida Prieto will be showcasing his ‘EYE See You’ collection.

Could you tell us about your experience in the United Arab Emirates with your art?

It is kind of surreal; I still can’t believe it myself. I came here last year to be a part of World Art Dubai and I just felt in love with the place, the vibe, how people are and how many opportunities are here, I had a lot of really nice comments about my pieces and also sales, so, less than a year after that here I am now living in Abu Dhabi.

What would you say are some differences, if any, of how art is perceived here and in Mexico?  

There’s so much diversity here in the Emirates that you can establish yourself as an artist easier than in Mexico, both have amazing cultures, but the mix here is so much bigger than in Mexico that it offers you a different space.

You will be part of a group exhibition at the Embassy of Mexico in Abu Dhabi, what will you showcase?

I will showcase part of my collection “EYE See You”, there will be six pieces and all of them are women eyes, I wanted to paint something beautiful and I don’t think, at least for me, there’s something more beautiful than women’s eyes, I’m a firm believer in gender equality and the eyes can tell so many stories, they are living gems.

Could you tell us a little about the other artists that will join you?

We are four artist in total, another Mexican artist, Alejandra Palos, she’s a sculptor, an Emirati Digital Artist, Sumayyah Al Suwaidi and last but not least Enrico Di Maria, an artist from Italy. We are all based in the UAE.

How were the artists selected for this exhibition?

It was a selection made by the Ambassador of Mexico, H. E. Francisca Méndez.

Do you believe art can serve as a cultural bridge? How do you build the connection between Emirati and Mexican art?

Art is a way we can communicate, a language all cultures can speak, feel and understand. Art really brings people together and has been doing it for centuries. For me it is the language of emotions, no matter where you’re from or what your background is, we all have something to say and art is the best way to do it even if you come from different parts of the world.

What was your contribution to this project that will take place at the embassy?

This event is created and supported by the Embassy of Mexico, the Ambassador just gave me the opportunity to showcase what I believe I can do best, I can’t take any more credit than I just helped to hang all the pieces, but for me it is the beginning of so much more, a new life.

Is the exhibition open to the public?

It is not open to the public, but the artists and myself can always give private tours and show it to whoever wants to see the exhibition.

What other cultural projects can we expect from the Embassy of Mexico this year?

The Embassy is always working in many projects, we’re really excited about having the Mexican Pavilion at The Expo 2020 and everything that comes with this huge event, we just hope that everyone stays safe and follows every sanitary precaution so we can all return to what life was before COVID-19 and we can open our doors to everyone easily.

Leonardo Partida Prieto: @leonardopartidaprieto will be showcasing his works at the Embassy of Mexico from June 29 until September 29, to read more about this event click: arte8lusso.net

For more artist details, you can read our article ’10 Dubai Based Artists to Follow on Instagram’ where the artist Leonardo Partida Prieto is featured: arte8lusso.net and visit @arte8lusso on Instagram for more art updates.

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