make it pop!

Lauren Leigh is a contemporary pop artist whose work explores the legacies of iconic figures, both historical and contemporary. Known for striking black-and-white portraits, Lauren combines hand-painted detail with mixed media to create dynamic, immersive compositions. By working directly on the canvas and hand-painting the portraits, the artistachieves greater precision and depth in capturing the essence of each subject.

The artist's practice is rooted in a deep connection to storytelling. As a lifelong creative, Lauren uses art as a means to communicate what words alone cannot. Each portrait is framed by the subject’s own words—whether quotes, lyrics, or defining phrases—that reflect their cultural significance. This integration of text and imagery invites viewers into a rich, layered narrative, where the visual elements and the subject’s message intertwine.

Through this innovative approach, Lauren honors the lasting influence of cultural icons, transforming their stories into powerful, timeless works of art. Their practice underscores the intersection of visual expression and the enduring power of the figures who shape our world.

“I just want to make pretty things that inspire me for the rest of my life”

ARTIST STATEMENT

Historians use the art of written words to tell stories of the past. Artists use physical art itself. As someone who struggles to articulate words, I use my art to show my observations and understandings of icons and their profound impact on history and culture. How their words, songs, movies, poems, and quotes speak to the plight of human existence.

Often mistaken for screen prints, the portraits themselves, always shown in black and white, are hand painted. I found I couldn’t attain the detail I desired through more common methods. Painting by hand gives me more control to manipulate details.

Each piece’s background varies between two studies of the icon. One look focuses on the color aura of the icon. The other is a collaged study on the icon, telling stories about the person through mixed media applications laid out in a patchwork composition surrounding the portrait.