Leena Similu (b. London, UK) explores identity through the intertwining lenses of personal history and motherhood. Her pieces, shaped by her West African heritage, reflect the complexities of navigating multiple cultures in a Eurocentric society. Working primarily in clay, Simulu’s chosen materials underscores an ongoing exploration of temporality - weaving past, present, and future into a cohesive dialogue.

Similu—a longtime designer for fashion houses like Jil Sander and Stella McCartney—first began making ceramic works while pregnant with her son. This transformative period compelled the artist to reflect on her own mother’s Cameroon lineage and the culture shared between herself, her ancestors, and her child. In the years since, Similu has developed a practice characterized by a sharp compositional eye and bold elegance. Visual and textural references to West African masquerading traditions evoke the qualities of a historical artifact, while highly contemporary color and finish choices such as platinum root each work in the current moment. Championing openness and idiosyncrasy, the artist’s energetic hand is always present, inviting viewers into an experience of narrative potential and humanistic curiosity.

Similu has had recent solo shows at Mariane Ibrahim, Paris, FR; The Pit, Los Angeles, CA; Emma Gray HQ, Los Angeles, CA; and Fourteen30 Contemporary, Portland, OR. In 2024, she will present an exhibition at Emma Gray HQ, New York, NY. Similu has participated in group shows at Carlye Packer, Los Angeles, CA; Royal Society of Sculptors, London; The Pit, Palm Springs, CA; and The Future Perfect, Los Angeles, CA. Her work has been written about in The New York Times and Vogue, among other publications. Similu lives and works in Los Angeles, CA.