Zoe Leonard

Zoe Leonard is an American artist known for her work in photography and sculpture. Born in 1961 in Liberty, New York, she left high school at the age of 16 to dedicate herself fully to her passion for photography. After moving to New York City, she spent most of her adult life immersed in its urban environment, which continues to inspire her work.

Leonard explores themes of social conventions and gentrification, using her art to provoke reflection and encourage viewers to scrutinize their surroundings. She emphasizes the importance of contemplation in an increasingly rarefied space, stating, “Creating these works for me means being in the world, but it’s also being specific about being in the world... I’m interested in this space of contemplation, and I take the time and energy to be thoughtful.”

In the 1980s, Leonard became an active member of the Queer community, addressing the AIDS epidemic through advocacy—political processes aimed at influencing public policies and resource allocation within political systems via artistic expressions.

In the Giuseppe Iannaccone Collection, her piece Wax Anatomical Model (Partial View from Above) presents a striking portrayal of a female mannequin that reveals the internal organs and anatomy of the body to the observer. This work embodies Leonard's characteristic blend of social commentary and personal exploration, inviting contemplation on the relationship between the body, identity, and the broader societal constructs that shape our experiences.