The Evolution of Art: Leonardo Partida Prieto’s Exploration of Mixed Media

Self-taught Mexican artist Leonardo Partida Prieto is enthralled by telling stories, and he has used bold colour, texture, and mixed-media techniques to create some of the most talked-about art in the world. A simple exploration of acrylics on paper turned out to be an innovative artistic journey whereby every piece reflected growth and the use of new materials. Living in Abu Dhabi today, Partida Prieto’s work continues to push the envelope as he puts into perspective his deep cultural roots intertwined with newer influences emanating from life in the UAE.

What crowns Prieto’s journey as unique is that he is an entirely self-taught artist in whose case life experiences and personal drive are the greatest teachers. Though he has a degree in Advertising and Marketing, during college, art very rapidly became his passion, and it didn’t take long for him to completely be submerged into the creation process. Partida Prieto’s story is that of constant evolution: through all these years, he has produced more than 200 different pieces of art, each with its process. His early work was mostly about acrylic on paper using colour pencils and brushes to put across an idea. However, as the skill started to grow in him, curiosity too began to develop. He started experimenting with newer materials and tools, playing with the limits of his artistic boundary.

One of the defining aspects of Partida Prieto’s career is his complete readiness to be involved in newer forms of expression. Nowadays, his practice is dominated by the use of mixed media with a lot of materials: wood, pigments, and resins. His abandonment to conventional methods involves visually attractive works full of meaning and depth. He produces powerful visual effects using different materials that leave a mark in his audience’s mind. Partida Prieto’s work is not merely aesthetic; it’s about the process and message of every art piece. Every single work of art represents an experience of learning, a new challenge that allows him to grow as both a person and artist. He says art is his “spiritual safe haven,” the place where he can express his thoughts, his emotions, and ideas. His art often becomes an open invitation to meaningful discussions about life, culture, and everything in between.

Though Partida Prieto refers to himself as an introverted person, his art has spoken otherwise. The work he does is bold, dynamic, and unapologetic-representing at times what he may not say out loud with his voice. Through Prieto’s use of bright colours and intricate composition, a part of himself that is bold and expressive is released. The transparency and vulnerability in this create such captivating works. Viewers are not only drawn by the intensive colours and textures but also by raw emotions that may have come from each piece.

Partida Prieto first exhibited his work in 2007, actually starting a career as an artist. Since then, he has participated in more than 30 exhibitions worldwide and showed his work in very well-acknowledged museums, galleries, and art fairs. Talented and dedicated, in 2010 he was selected by the prestigious Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts of Paris to participate in the Salon des Beaux-Arts held at the Carrousel du Louvre-a milestone which consolidated his position within the international art scene.

Since 2018, Partida Prieto has resided in Abu Dhabi, a place that has brought new cultural views and personal experiences into his life. The time spent in the UAE allowed him to continue developing his artistic vision more and more. Now, his art not only reflects his Mexican heritage but also that of the Middle Eastern cultural landscape.