Leila Bartell

Photographed by Erica Bergsmeds

Tell us a little about yourself, your profession, what you are up to right now and what strives you to do what you do?

I am a painter and film director based in London. My practice centres on exploring the profound and often unseen connections between humanity, nature, and the inner psychological landscapes that shape our experiences. Through my work, I aim to navigate the boundaries between reality and imagination, creating visual expressions that provoke thought and evoke emotion. At the moment, I have two exhibitions on display in London, which explore vastly different yet equally significant themes. What drives me in my work is the relentless pursuit of meaning—finding ways to articulate the complex emotions and ideas that often resist verbal expression. The act of creating feels like an investigation into both the world and myself, allowing me to capture and share moments of clarity, beauty, and introspection.

Tell us about you current exhibition.

I’m thrilled to have work in two exhibitions at the moment, each addressing deeply personal and universal themes. The first is FRAGILE at The Bomb Factory, Marylebone, curated by Daniel Lismore. For that exhibition, I’m showcasing a painting titled Rage of the Innocents. This piece embodies the profound anger and frustration felt on behalf of the victims of injustice and suffering, particularly in the context of war. The work juxtaposes the raw, righteous fury of rage with the innocence of those affected, creating a commentary on the brutality of violence and the purity of its victims. My aim was to provoke a visceral response — outrage at the injustices they endure — encouraging viewers to engage more deeply with these powerful, yet difficult emotions. The second exhibition, A Room of Her Own at Upsilon Gallery, draws its inspiration from Virginia Woolf’s influential essay of the same name. This group show, which features works by a diverse range of women artists, explores the concept of space — both physical and mental — that is necessary for creative expression. In this context, my contribution consists of works on paper that engage with themes of family, intimacy, and connection. The exhibition emphasises the raw, immediate nature of works on paper and ceramics, creating a dialogue around the autonomy and freedom that women artists continually seek in their practice. Both exhibitions, though different in tone, resonate with the broader themes of vulnerability, space, and emotional depth.

Who or what is your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from a wide range of sources—poetry, music, dreams, memories, and art history. I am particularly drawn to the emotional depth and complexity of old masters . I am fascinated by the dramatic use of light and dark in Caravaggio’s work, even though you may not see his influence directly in my style. His exploration of contrasts has left an imprint on how I approach moments of darkness in my own paintings. I also look to Rubens, the early works of Goya—particularly his lighter, more whimsical paintings like The Parasol, before his later, darker period—and the sublime light in Turner’s landscapes, which has influenced my approach to colour and texture. Alongside these, I find inspiration in the sensuality of Fragonard, the grandeur of Renaissance frescoes, and the delicate, nuanced colour palettes of Monet. I am also inspired by lesser-known artists, such as the Neoclassical painter Pierre Narcisse Guérin, whose work has influenced some of my own. I am always on the lookout for sources of inspiration, no matter how diverse or unexpected they may be. Whether it's in the work of lesser-known artists, personal experiences, or broader themes like consciousness, reality, and imagination, these inspirations converge in my work, guiding me as I attempt to express the complex emotional landscapes that shape our perceptions of the world.

What is it about the way you do what you do, that you feel might separate you from others?

One thing that I feel might set my work apart is the way I blend abstraction with an immersive, almost dimensional experience. Although my paintings are abstract, they are deeply rooted in landscapes and human figures, creating worlds that feel tangible yet enigmatic. The majority of my pieces have a 3D composition, which invites the viewer into a space where creatures or figures seem to emerge from the layers—figures that are at once familiar and entirely of the imagination. This sense of entering a world is key to my practice. I use translucency and layers to create depth, not just visually, but to evoke a feeling of entering into different states of consciousness. My paintings are a reflection of the infinite mental landscapes we all navigate, whether consciously or unconsciously. I think of it as capturing the intangible shifts of our inner worlds—the spaces we inhabit in our minds, where everything feels possible. It’s this underlying exploration of consciousness, and the fluidity of experience, that I think gives my work a unique voice.

Whats the most fun project you have done and why?

While I always find joy in painting, one project that stands out as particularly exciting was Bridging Baroque and Modernity: In Dialogue with Filippo Parodi’s Sculpture, exhibited at Daniel Katz Gallery. I was introduced to Robin Katz through Catherine Hunt, who made the connection after I shared my desire to showcase my work in this elegant gallery. Given that much of my inspiration comes from the old masters, Catherine thought it would be both amazing and challenging to create a contemporary painting in response to a classic sculpture. This idea was something I hadn’t considered before, and it was a new challenge I had never attempted. She helped make that happen. During my time as an artist in residence, I had the opportunity to explore their exceptional collection and select works that resonated with me the most. While Robin took me on a tour of the gallery to introduce me to the works, I was given the freedom to make all the final decisions about what inspired me. As someone who highly values freedom—particularly in my artistic practice—it was a great opportunity to work in an environment where I wasn’t constrained by external expectations. It was an enriching experience that encouraged me to merge historical influence with contemporary expression, all within a framework that respected the artist’s autonomy.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen lately?

The most moving thing I’ve read lately has been The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. I had the book at home for several years and finally got around to reading it. It was extraordinary—so gripping that I couldn’t put it down, nor could I keep a dry eye. The emotional depth and the way it weaves together

themes of love, guilt, and redemption left a lasting impact on me. I also recently read The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. It’s a powerful reflection on the creative process and the internal struggles we face when pursuing our art. As for what I’ve seen, I haven’t been watching much lately, but I did watch Tár three times and really appreciated its complexity and the nuanced portrayal of its protagonist. I also revisited The Celebration, one of the most powerful films I’ve ever seen. Its intensity and unflinching portrayal of family dynamics make it unforgettable.

What’s your most annoying habit? I’m particularly meticulous about everything, which probably comes from my law studies. As a result, I can be extremely precise in my thinking and arguments, sometimes to the point of being a bit too logical or thorough for others, which might come across as a little annoying at times!

What do you like doing in your spare time?

In my spare time, I enjoy having a bath—I could take five baths a day if it weren’t unsustainable! I love reading while I’m in there; it’s my perfect form of relaxation. I also meditate daily, though I wouldn't consider it spare time, as it’s an essential part of my routine. Aside from that, I love spending time in nature, anywhere in the world. I also enjoy discovering new music and trying (unsuccessfully) to play the guitar! New cultures also bring me a lot of joy and inspiration.

What is the one item you can’t live without?

My headphones, I listen to a lot of audiobooks while walking in the park, working out, or cooking dinner. I stick to non-fiction, as I believe fiction must be read from a physical book—I'm old school like that. I can get through a lot of books and a lot of learning, which is brilliant. Painting and learning are the two things that excite me the most, so audiobooks have been revolutionary for me.

What would you like to be remembered about you?

I hope to be remembered for creating work that moves people and invites them to explore the deeper, often unseen layers of existence. I believe that art can be a mirror to our inner worlds, reflecting not just what we see, but what we feel and imagine. I’d like to think my art sparks something in others—whether it’s a sense of wonder, introspection, or connection. At the end of the day, I want my work to be a bridge to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Where are you in 5 years?

In five years, I hope to have expanded my creative practice, perhaps exploring new mediums or techniques. I envision continuing to evolve as an artist, creating work that reflects my ongoing exploration of consciousness and the human experience. Ultimately, I want to be engaged in meaningful projects, collaborating with other creatives, and inspiring others to see the world through a different lens. I believe that where I’ll be is less important than the process of getting there and the work I create along the way.

What is next for you now?

After a busy few months with two shows in Slovenia—one at an institutional gallery and one at a small museum—and the Daniel Katz residency in Mayfair, I’m now focused on balancing our current two shows—Fragile at The Bomb Factory in Marylebone and A Room of Her Own at Upsilon Gallery in Mayfair. I’m planning to spend more time in New York next year, with discussions underway for a couple of exhibitions there.

Instagram @leila_bartell