ABOUT
Leon Alesi is an artist living in Austin, Texas. His work is both an archeological dig and a document of transitional situations investigating our spiritual, communal, and physical loss. Using his neighborhood as a reference guide for global realities, he records his personal experience for future archivists to consider. His photographs, collages, assemblages and found objects embody a sophisticated folk-art sensibility suggestive of an imagined past that echoes into the present. As much an exercise of recording history as it is an experiment of alchemy. Alesi’s Ancestors series - remnants of cedar piers unearthed from the foundations of partially demolished houses in his neighborhood live again as sculptures that stand as witnesses to images depicting their own fall into obscurity and abandonment. For his assemblages, foraged detritus communes with the incorporeal and the previously unseen transforms into an Anthropocene Age Avatar.
About the "Proximity: Next Door" series: These images were taken between 2015-2024 in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood of Austin, Texas; a neighborhood where I’ve lived for the past 25 years that is currently in the throes of rapid change. As I gaze at the houses that literally sit next to each other, I’m struck by the contrasts that exist as our neighborhood fitfully fights its way forward. Presenting these portraits of houses allows for the direct comparison of the changing ways of life in my tiny microcosm of Austin, and the city at large. In effect, creating a snapshot of an ever changing landscape that speaks to the diverse topics of architecture, scale, economy, gentrification, and sense of place.
About the "Personal Space" series: The process of making portraits allows for the creation of an intimate relationship, even if just for the couple of hours spent together. The term “personal space” describes a protected physical and psychological area reserved for those close to us. The intimate nature of these portrait sessions require those barriers to come down in an interaction filled with trust and authenticity, resulting in images of unguarded, revealing moments.
About the "Residual Evidence" series: For this project I seek out landscapes that exhibit a definitive presence and ancient permanence. Through reorientation, these images reveal the spirit of the natural world and talismans of the earth itself. These images expose the true fortitude, durability and eternal power of primordial earth and create contemporary vessels for ancient lives.
This entire site is copyright 2025 Leon Alesi. All of the photographs herein, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted by the photographer. No part of this site, or any of the content contained herein, may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without express permission of the copyright holder.