Leo Pasquale (1957)

“Multiplicity of themes and technical styles is one of the salient features of his art. Some themes seem to be expressive of his personal life experiences while some signify the socio-political realities of the time. Technically he uses methods that are possible only in the computer and digital age, and in a large group of his work the geometrical approach is used meaningfully. For him, not only colour and shade but also shape seem to be of great use, and simplicity seems to be the key.” – Dr. Michael Fernando

Leo Pasquale was born in 1957 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. During his early years he did art on his own, experimenting with various styles. In the early 1980s he studied computer programming and systems design at the National Institute of Business Management. In the 1990s he obtained a BFA in painting at Pratt Institute in New York, where he graduated with highest honors and was given the Pratt Circle Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement. He later worked at the Foutouhi Cramer Gallery in New Yok City, and as part of a private installation team at several galleries, including the Leo Castelli Gallery, The New Museum and Max Protect Gallery. In 2001 he returned to Sri Lanka and has been based in Colombo. He taught at the Vibhavi Academy of Fine Arts and the Academy of Design, and as a private instructor. 

 

His work cannot be characterized under a single style definition; they are informed by Cubism, Constructivism and Minimalism. He incorporates geometric, abstract patterns that are geared toward creating awareness about important social issues. The intermingling of these different and complementary styles makes his artistry unique, and each painting is a journey that allows his audience to grow, facilitated by contemplation and relatable creativity. 

His body of work entitled Censorship, created for the Colombo Art Biennale 2012, often uses only black and white. Juxtaposing the work “The Participant,” of single character, with “The Observers,” consisting of multiple characters with multiple narratives, he highlights the manner in which censorship comes into play. Simplicity is key, as both paintings demonstrate censorship as a necessary giant in the world of art, equipped with the power to destroy multiple narratives of observers with the acceptance of a single limiting interpretation. The work entitled “Self-censorship” is a neutral grey painting with vertical white lines, with the title included in Braille. The sole sculptural offering in this collection is a dismantled and reconfigured chair, entitled "You Cannot Sit on Me Anymore," to emphasize the necessity to retain the freedom to choose one's attitude to conditions, even beyond one's ability to influence them. Accessibility of art and the manner in which people self-censor the art they are privy to is one of the main themes. His works in Censorship engender deep reflection on society and its approach towards art as a discipline.

Name of Exhibition Year Place
2D3D 2014 Gallery g, The Art Corridor, Taj West End Hotel, Bangalore, India
Crossroads 2013 The Fort Printers, Galle, Sri Lanka
Colombo Art Biennale 2012 Colombo, Sri Lanka
Vibhavi Faculty Show 2003 Lionel Wendt Art Gallery, Colombo, Sri Lanka
19th Annual Student Exhibition 1995 The National Arts Club, New York, USA
Solo Exhibition 1988 DC Space, Washington DC, USA
Group Exhibition 1980 Lionel Wendt Art Gallery, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Other Publicaitons the Artist has been mentioned in
Name of Book Year of Publication Author Printer
Still Life

Ref :LP 1

Title :Still Life

Signed :Lower Right

Year :1994

Measurements in Cms :30 x 25

Material Used :Zinc Plate/ Dry Point

Dimensions in Cms. :30 x 25

In the Beginning

Ref :LP 2

Title :In the Beginning

Signed :Lower Right

Year :1994

Measurements in Cms :30 x 22.5

Material Used :Zinc Plate/ Dry Point

Dimensions in Cms. :30 x 22.5

Lived & Learned

Ref :LP 3

Title :Lived & Learned

Signed :Lower Right

Year :1994

Measurements in Cms :29.5 x 22.5

Material Used :Zinc Plate/ Dry Point

Dimensions in Cms. :29.5 x 22.5

Mind Map

Ref :LP 4

Title :Mind Map

Signed :Lower Right

Year :1994

Measurements in Cms :34 x 24

Material Used :Linocut

Dimensions in Cms. :34 x 24

Brooklyn Bridge

Ref :LP 5

Title :Brooklyn Bridge

Signed :Lower Right

Year :1994

Measurements in Cms :34 x 26.5

Material Used :Linocut

Dimensions in Cms. :34 x 26.5

Conversation

Ref :LP 6

Title :Conversation

Signed :Lower Right

Year :1994

Measurements in Cms :41 x 23

Material Used :Woodcut

Dimensions in Cms. :41 x 23

Yoked Forever

Ref :LP 7

Title :Yoked Forever

Signed :Lower Right

Year :1994

Measurements in Cms :50.5 x 38

Material Used :Cardboard

Dimensions in Cms. :50.5 x 38

Palimpsest

Ref :LP 8

Title :Palimpsest

Signed :Lower Right

Year :1994

Measurements in Cms :46 x 30

Material Used :Zinc Plate/ Mono Print

Dimensions in Cms. :46 x 30

Begin

Ref :LP 9

Title :Begin

Signed :Lower Right

Year :1994

Measurements in Cms :33.5 x 22.5

Material Used :Linocut

Dimensions in Cms. :33.5 x 22.5

Go

Ref :LP 10

Title :Go

Signed :Lower Right

Year :1994

Measurements in Cms :33.5 x 23

Material Used :Linocut

Dimensions in Cms. :33.5 x 23

Mum's the Word

Ref :LP 11

Title :Mum's the Word

Signed :Lower Right

Year :1994

Measurements in Cms :33.5 x 22.5

Material Used :Linocut

Dimensions in Cms. :33.5 x 22.5

Keep Going

Ref :LP 12

Title :Keep Going

Signed :Lower Right

Year :1994

Measurements in Cms :34 x 23

Material Used :Linocut

Dimensions in Cms. :34 x 23

Year Institute Qualification
1992-1996 Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York, USA BFA in Painting
1993 Art Students League, New York, USA Summer Program
1981-1982 National Institute of Business Management, Colombo, Sri Lanka Diploma in Computer Programming and Systems Design