Leandro M. Velasco Pardo
b. 1933

Columbian born artist Leandro M. Velasco Pardo has established himself as an artist that is continually seeking new ideas and new directions in his work.  In his early years, he was trained to work in stained glass in Columbia alongside his father.  He developed a strong sense of color and design, and began his journey as an artist, which now continues in his new abstract work highlighted at the Galerie Attienette in Hoboken, New Jersey. 

A self taught artist, he received no formal training, but rather learned by doing. In 1963, he arrived in New York City, and focused on his figurative work. These large paintings included surreal, larger than life images that immediately engage and play with the viewer.  The paintings were well received and are widely collected.  Velasco Pardo’s work has been exhibited internationally – from Tokyo, to Paris, to New York. In addition, he has been the recipient of numerous awards in recognition of the excellence of his work. 

Velasco Pardo is highly acclaimed for his stained glass work, and he has worked on many commissions in this exacting medium.  Most recently, he was chosen to design the mosaic for the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.  The mosaic installation offers the public the opportunity to view his work in the completed dome project. 

As the artist explores new directions, he is working primarily on his abstract work.  He believes that he has moved away from his figurative work since they “don’t talk to you”. The mostly large pieces in his current exhibition incorporate indigenous symbols from Alaska to Patagonia, and explore cosmic themes. Velasco Pardo is energized by his work, and the vibrant colors, curious images and brushstrokes challenge and invite the viewer to make their own impressions of what is before them – to look and to listen.