Following the success of the exhibition at our New York gallery, VLAB is proud to present the third solo exhibition in collaboration with the young visual artist Leonardo entitled “Menú de Garabatos”.

Leonardo Rodríguez Pastrana Caldarola (Novara, Italy, 2013) is a visual artist known for his great creativity and ability to combine mixed techniques in painting, demonstrating remarkable maturity and versatility at such a young age. Leonardo's work is infused with the uninhibited creativity of childhood and the small wonders of everyday life. He constantly explores new tools and formats. Sprays, Posca markers, and wax crayons are regular allies in his creative process, adding layers of texture and detail that reflect his experimental nature.

Drawing inspiration from everyday elements that surround the artist, Leonardo brings them to life in this exhibition with a touch of fantasy and humor. In his works, he captures ideas that emerge from his daily life and transforms them into something extraordinary; folded canvases that, when unfolded, reveal surprising transformations, dishes of food that fascinate him and are imagined as vibrant, dynamic scenes, origamis and handcrafts that become symbols of the playful creativity defining his artistic universe.

As for technique, although he prefers acrylics on canvas, Leonardo constantly explores new tools and formats. Leonardo invites us to see the world through his eyes: a universe where games, utensils, flavors, and the small surprises of daily life are transformed into art. His work reminds us that creativity knows no bounds when life is observed with the curiosity and imagination of an artist of his age.

Leonardo's work is a vibrant homage to uninhibited creativity and the wonders of everyday life. The inspiration for this exhibition comes from the cartoons that captivate him and the doodles in his notebooks.

The shapes and lines have a 'doodle' quality that conveys the authenticity and freedom of childhood imagination. His work arises from play and experimentation, without the constraints acquired with age. The use of vibrant colors, simple shapes, and unreal compositions recalls the style of naïve art, where technique is not the focus, but rather direct and emotional expression. Additionally, there is a contemporary touch in how he arranges the pieces and uses materials.

The concept of foldable pieces like 'Lumusine / Cocodrile' suggests an exploration of art as an interactive experience. Their inspiration comes from toys, pop-up books, or even the desire to tell stories. Works like 'Inteligencia Artificial' showcase the artist's curiosity about concepts such as technology and artificial intelligence. His fascination with these themes stems from the influence of his surroundings and his own interest in science and technology. Several pieces, such as 'Castle XXL' or 'Foldable schoolnotes,' tell stories or evoke imaginary worlds.

Each painting in the exhibition is a dish served directly from the imagination. For starters, pizzas covered in vibrant brushstrokes, and for dessert, ice creams created with playful strokes. In this show, Leonardo combines the culinary with transformation.

Leonardo’s exhibition will run from December 12th, 2024, through January 18th, 2025, at VLAB, C/ Justiniano 9, Madrid.