CV and Exhibitions
LESLIE PINO DURANT 303.880.5274 / LesliePinoDurant@gmail.com / www.LesliePinoDurant.com /
ARTIST STATEMENT
As a mixed media artist, I channel a rollercoaster of emotions into my work, reveling in creating something entirely new. My art-making process is spontaneous and uncharted, driven by the thrill of exploration and discovery. I start with the vibrant chaos of collage, mark-making, and texture, gradually guiding the piece toward structure as it reveals its story. I blend bright acrylics, shapes, and layers to express a spectrum of feelings.
Drawing inspiration from artists like Shara Hughes, Andrew Salgado, and Jose Cacho, I strive to infuse my pieces with the same lively colors and provocative imagery that define their work. Jean Michel Basquiat's influence is evident in my bold strokes and spontaneous style, reflecting my fascination with raw expression.
My subjects range from words and figures to animals and florals, each one an untold story. I hope to create pieces that invite viewers to uncover their narratives within the vibrant paint and textures. My studio's solitary act of creation transforms into a shared experience as I find joy in connecting with others through my art. I hope each observer sees a fragment of their own story in the layers of my work, discovering personal meaning in the sometimes colorful chaos.
BIOGRAPHY
Leslie Pino Durant (b. 1966, Belen, New Mexico, USA) is a mixed media artist living in Placitas, New Mexico. She didn't pick up a paintbrush until her late 40s when she thought it might serve the need to calm her body and mind while she struggled with multiple sclerosis. What began as a sanctuary endeavor led to a love for learning, trying, failing, and wanting more.
She creates mixed media pieces first with collages, bright acrylic paint drips and marks, pencils, and stencils. She then moves to a stage of organization - one of composition, value, and color theory - the artist themes most taught in art school. Then, a session of staring, pondering, and ideas conjures up images that take shape in her mind rather than on the medium. The most exhilarating part of her process ends in sharing her finished creation. Most of her work is about strong women and beautiful flowers. "Mujeres and Flores" is actually what her first art show was titled.
She only released her work to the public in 2020 and saw how much her audience enjoyed it. She is excited every day to take to the studio and pour her heart and soul into every piece. She shares her work in galleries, social media, publications, and online exhibits.
GROUP AND JURIED EXHIBITIONS
2025 - FUN-A-DAY / Fourteenfifteen Gallery / Albuquerque, NM
2025 - LOVERS/ Old Walls Gallery / Albuquerque, NM
2024 - SMALL WORKS (juried) / New Mexico Art League / Albuquerque, NM
2024 - SENSES (juried) / Art Mozaik Fine Art Gallery / Santa Fe, NM
2024 - R3SI$T! (juried) / Old Walls Gallery / Albuquerque, NM
2024 - REJECTS! (juried) / Tortuga Gallery / Albuquerque, NM
2024 - VIBRANT / Art Moziak Fine Art Gallery / Santa Fe, NM
2024 OUTSIDE THE BOX (juried) / New Mexico Art League / Albuquerque, NM
2024 GO SPORTS / 3017 Gallery / Albuquerque, NM
2024 OUR AMERICA: A TAPESTRY OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY / Placitas Community Library / Placitas, NM
2024 RITUALS FOR NOW / Fourteenfifteen Gallery / Albuquerque, NM
2024 MSAA ART SHOWCASE - Online Showcase of Art Created by Artists with Multiple Sclerosis / https://mymsaa.org/artshowcase2024/leslie-pino-durant/
2023 MSAA ART SHOWCASE - Online Showcase of Art Created by Artists with Multiple Sclerosis / https://mymsaa.org/artshowcase2023/leslie-pino-durant/
2022 COMMUNITY GALLERY NIGHT / Hub City Art Collective / Belen, NM
2022 MSAA ART SHOWCASE - Online Showcase of Art Created by Artists with Multiple Sclerosis / https://mymsaa.org/artshowcase2022/leslie-pino-durant/
March/April 2021 COVER ART / International Journal of MS Care
2021 MSAA ART SHOWCASE - Online Showcase of Art Created by Artists with Multiple Sclerosis / https://mymsaa.org/artshowcase2021/leslie-pino-durant/
2020 MSAA ART SHOWCASE - Online Showcase of Art Created by Artists with Multiple Sclerosis / https://mymsaa.org/artshowcase2020/entrants/leslie-pino-durant/