STATEMENT
what’s the last thing that made you angry to the point you were shaking? Did it have to do with news or events, a relationship, something said to you in passing? I think about life while I work, taking my frustrations out on the piece itself allows me to perform a kind of personal catharsis. My anger, and therefore work, tends to revolve around social change dialogues. I convey to the viewer why the subject makes me so justifiably mad in addition to educating the viewer in a often brash manner--it’s just who I am.
BIO
Leonardo Hansen is a traditional method printmaker currently based in western North Carolina, focusing on current social issues, queer identity, privilege, and religious trauma. His works are often imbued with the frustration and anger that comes with living in the current times, and asks viewers to confront their own personal biases and privileges.
Using his own personal identity as a queer transman he uses personal narratives to inspire empathy and understanding in his audience. He is drawn to printmaking due to the democratic nature of the media allowing his works to be more accessible and widely influential. Often using the matrix of wood, his pieces vary from printed textiles, and posters to zines, and has been shown nationally. Borrowing stylistically from early 20th century propaganda posters, Hansen brings new problems into old contexts, showing history’s capability to stagnate and repeat itself especially in the context of minority identity.
He currently resides in Boone, North Carolina and attends Appalachian State University studying Studio Art with a focus in Printmaking.
short sweet and to the point;