Although Lea Colombo remains unconfined by any point on this vast planet, it was the return to her birthplace in Cape Town that served as the rooting and arising of the revealing of her inner-most Self in both tenderness and vulnerability – through many dynamic channels as an artist. Her debut show, Colours of My Body, exhibited at Spaceby in Cape Town and Terminal27 in Los Angeles, as a ceremonial walk-through through of Lea’s most sacred essence; the anima that she has always imbued within her photographic work, yet amplified in this context with the reverberating signature of her spirit’s intention. The show acted as a device for communicating so many awakenings; as though the last decade of Lea’s venture across the globe, both personally and professionally, was a cosmically-orchestrated path of collecting aspects of her Self – and thus a ritual was required to consecrate this journey, as with any cycle, in order to share this state with other beings in two cities that reside as reflective points in Lea’s life. In as many ways as Lea’s show was for herself, by the very nature of our collective unity, it cast an incredible light for the possibilities of expanding on all the dimensions of expression that can be realized by creators if we only allowed ourself the spaciousness to go deep enough to undertake the excavation required. I note this specifically for her sculptural work; having seen process updates via Lea’s IG stories, in which Lea gave insight into polishing huge pieces of mineral Jasper – with complex colour and luster of the ochre Earth. This is an astounding entry into the art-space; while also a gentle reminder that we are never separated from our creative expression – in any life, across any age. We are just asked to return every now and again.
There are no limitations as Lea explicitly states in this conversation – and would never impose any on herself again; a beautiful anecdote to relay the 77 works of art spanning across Colours of My Body.
Congratulations on a truly exceptional show – Colours of my Body. I find it so beautiful how, after nearly a decade as a photographer, you have turned the figurative and literal lens upon yourself; casting yourself as the muse, and the subject of exploration. How did that process arise?
The ‘shift’ had been imminent for a while. So when I started to let my guard down and trust in the process which was unfolding – to go deeper, to express myself in new ways whilst peeling back any previous layers of vulnerability I jumped at the opportunity. It felt incredibly natural and liberating. To move my body in front of the lens in a totally new explorative way. This new space which unfolded offered a ‘safe space’ where I was able to process any previous fears/ self-doubts/ criticism. I had intuitively created a mirror to presence – a real reflection and introspection of self.
Your relationship with colour, across many bodies of work throughout the years, is so tangible – possessing an almost energetic charge that comes through your work. How does colour inform your practice?
I harness colour and colour therapy, with its connection to emotion and impact on the mind, body and soul in all my work. My intuitive understanding of colour has enabled me to be guided by it – always tapping into its energies and forcing myself and all those that interact with my work to see it, to feel it. I am fascinated in the gravitational pull of colour and how this influences every souls interaction with it. Take the Yellow Room from Colours of My Body. For some, this room offered a sense of calmness, inviting one to give way to the yellow carpet. To lounge on it, and take a moment to breathe. Yet, for others the overwhelming ‘yellowing’ effect combined with the strong energy vibrations from the Shiva Lingam Sculptures left some feeling invigorated and rejuvenated in the sacral chakra. There is so much that can be told and felt with the use of colour.
You were in Cape Town recently. I think your career has really led the way for many young creatives in South Africa to dream big and better than we were ever allowed to. How was it to be home, while having such a global presence across the planet? I have heard that Table Mountain is the Earth’s root chakra – do you find it calming and centring to be down here?
The time spent in Cape Town leading up to the show was the longest I had been in the city since leaving after school. Using Cape Town as my base and home to my first inaugural solo show seemed only fitting and paid homage to my South African roots, which have spread across the globe during the last decade. Grounding myself in nature has always provided me with the moments of clarity I need during my creative process. A cold water morning swim, a hike to watch the sun set – Cape Town provides such moments in excess. Returning ‘home’ also offered a space where I could tap into colour from an array of new mediums – especially stone (Red Jasper, Sodalite, Golden Calcite) and the chance to interact with new souls who significantly influenced the creative outcome. My ties to the city have always provided a sense of grounding, and in hindsight I needed the calmness Cape Town provided and distinct boundary it drew between my commercial work and my new venture into the art scene in order for Colours of My Body to manifest in the way it did.
Fashion, as we experience it, has always intersected across art, music and culture – but it seems like this is happening in an accelerated way, with people working across these fields, creating a synergistic relationship. What is your vision for the next chapter in your work, transcending modular concepts like “industries”?
I never want to set myself any limitations. My creative mind sees colour and energies and the more I allow them to guide the more space I’ll create to access further places and continue sharing my vision. Stepping into a space of expansion, and allowing any spaces to open.
Lastly, do you have any guidance that you could share with other aspiring artists + creatives in South Africa?
We are capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for. Trust in the process and remain present. The universe will take care of the rest.
