{{Short description|Contemporary artist from El Salvador}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}} '''Studio Lenca''' is a UK based contemporary artist from El Salvador.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Artist explores identity through paintings |language=en |work=Bangkok Post |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/2614029/artist-explores-identity-through-paintings |access-date=5 December 2023}}</ref> The artist explores themes of identity, belonging and migration.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Studio Lenca {{!}} English |url=https://metalmagazine.eu/en/post/studio-lenca-interview |access-date=11 June 2024 |website=Metal Magazine |language=es}}</ref> Born in La Paz, El Salvador<ref>{{Cite web |title=Studio Lenca |url=https://www.sohorevue.com/studio-lenca |access-date=5 December 2023 |website=Soho Revue |language=en-GB}}</ref> Studio Lenca now lives and works in Margate, UK<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Emily Steer |date=1 May 2024 |title=Studio Lenca nods to Salvadorian heritage with riot of colour in Margate |url=https://www.wallpaper.com/art/exhibitions-shows/studio-lenca-leave-to-remain-margate |access-date=11 June 2024 |website=wallpaper.com |language=en}}</ref>
== Early life and education == Studio Lenca, also known as Jose Campos, was born in La Paz El Salvador in 1986. After travelling illegally to the USA he grew up in San Francisco, California. Studio Lenca attended San Francisco School of the Arts, now known as The Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts. In 2013, Studio Lenca attended The London Contemporary Dance School, he was the first person in his immediate family to attend university.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Where dance meets visual art: Interview with Studio Lenca |url=https://theplace.org.uk/blogs-stories/where-dance-meets-visual-art-interview-with-studio-lenca |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=The Place |language=en}}</ref> In 2019, Studio Lenca graduated from the MA in Arts and Learning at Goldsmiths, University of London.<ref>{{Cite web |title=STUDIO LENCA |url=https://www.laperaprojects.art/studio-lenca-jose-campos |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=La Pera Projects |language=en}}</ref>
== Career == Studio Lenca's work has been acquired by several museums and institutions including the Pérez Art Museum in Miami<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pérez Art Museum Miami Announces Miami Art Week 2023 Schedule • Pérez Art Museum Miami |url=https://www.pamm.org/en/press/perez-art-museum-miami-announces-miami-art-week-2023-schedule/ |access-date=5 December 2023 |website=Pérez Art Museum Miami |language=en-US}}</ref> and The Parrish Art Museum, New York<ref>{{Cite web |title=Studio Lenca: Chisme |url=https://parrishart.org/exhibitions/chisme/ |access-date=5 December 2023 |website=Parrish Art Museum |language=en-US}}</ref> His work explores the displaced narrative<ref>{{Cite web |title=Artist Studio Lenca taps into Dubai's soul |url=https://www.esquireme.com/culture/artist-studio-lenca-taps-into-dubais-soul}}</ref> drawing on his own experience of leaving El Salvador during the country's civil war.
In 2020 Studio Lenca was the winner of the Photo Fringe OPEN20 SOLO with his photography work exploring Historiantes, folkloric dancers from El Salvador.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Photo Fringe OPEN20 SOLO winner selected: Studio Lenca |url=http://photofringe.org/news/photo-fringe-open20-solo-winner-selected-studio-lenca |access-date=7 December 2023 |website=Brighton Photo Fringe |language=en}}</ref> This body of work was also shown at Sierra Metro Gallery in Edinburgh<ref>{{Cite web |title=Studio Lenca – The Invisibles @ Sierra Metro – The Skinny |url=https://www.theskinny.co.uk/festivals/edinburgh-festivals/art/studio-lenca-the-invisibles-sierra-metro |access-date=7 December 2023 |website=theskinny.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>
In 2022 Studio Lenca held a solo exhibition at Foundry Dubai,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jalal |first=Maan |date=21 August 2022 |title=Four new exhibitions to see at Foundry in Dubai |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/art/2022/08/21/four-new-exhibitions-to-see-at-foundry-in-dubai/ |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref> entitled Dreamers- which included paintings and photography.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Dan |date=5 September 2022 |title=An interview with Studio Lenca |url=https://emirateswoman.com/an-exclusive-interview-with-studio-lenca/ |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=Emirates Woman |language=en}}</ref> Later that year the artist held a solo exhibition at Soho Revue Gallery, A Losing Game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Losing Game – Studio Lenca – November 2023 |url=https://www.sohorevue.com/exhibitions-1/project-five-jkmzy-r3lyz |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=Soho Revue |language=en-GB}}</ref>
In the artist's installation 'Chisme' the artist created wooden cut-out figures made in collaboration with immigrant workers and was the subject of an exhibition at the gallery in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 February 2023 |title=Parrish Art Museum gifted life-size wooden figures representing Latino immigrant workers |url=https://www.wshu.org/long-island-news/2023-02-20/parrish-art-museum-gifted-life-size-wooden-figures-representing-latino-immigrant-workers |access-date=7 December 2023 |publisher=WSHU |language=en}}</ref> which was acquired by The Parrish Art Museum.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 February 2023 |title=The Parrish Acquires Work by Salvadoran Artist Jose Campos |url=https://www.27east.com/arts/the-parrish-acquires-work-by-salvadoran-artist-jose-campos-2078504/ |access-date=7 December 2023 |website=27 East |language=en-US}}</ref>
Studio Lenca was interviewed by Russel Tovey and Robert Diament on the TalkArt Podcast<ref>{{Cite web |title=Talk Art: Studio Lenca on Apple Podcasts |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/tr/podcast/studio-lenca/id1439567112?i=1000615350657 |access-date=7 December 2023 |website=Apple Podcasts |language=en-GB}}</ref>
In 2023, Studio Lenca was featured in the Evening Standard on the New Art Power List for 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Joanna |date=18 October 2023 |title=London's new art power list |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/london-s-new-art-power-list-b1113555.html |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=Evening Standard |language=en}}</ref> other artists featured included Heather Agyepong and Katy Hessel.
The Latin American Fashion Awards commissioned Studio Lenca<ref>{{Cite web |last=Daffner |first=Drew |date=3 November 2023 |title=Latin American Fashion Awards Host First-Ever Celebration |url=https://theimpression.com/latin-american-fashion-awards-host-first-ever-celebration/ |access-date=15 December 2023 |website=The Impression |language=en-US}}</ref> to create the official trophy for the event in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Campuzano |first=Luis |date=7 November 2023 |title=Latin American Fashion Awards Host Inaugural Celebration in the Dominican Republic |url=https://wwd.com/eye/parties/latin-american-fashion-awards-willy-chavarria-j-balvin-raul-lopez-1235918704/ |access-date=15 December 2023 |website=Women's Wear Daily |language=en-US}}</ref> In the inaugural year the trophy was awarded to J Balvin (who was awarded the Latin Fashion Icon of the Year),<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 November 2023 |title=The First Latin American Fashion Awards Ceremony Was a Night to Remember |url=https://vmagazine.com/article/the-first-latin-american-fashion-awards-ceremony-was-a-night-to-remember/ |access-date=15 December 2023 |website=V Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> other winners included Willy Chavarría, Karoline Vitto and Luar's Raúl López<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 November 2023 |title=Willy Chavarría, Karoline Vitto, and Luar's Raúl López Take Home Top Honors at the Latin American Fashion Awards |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/2023-latin-american-fashion-awards-winners |access-date=15 December 2023 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}}</ref>
The artist's show 'Leave to Remain' at Carl Freedman Gallery included an installation of sculptures made in collaboration with Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN).<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 April 2024 |title=Margate: Art by asylum-seeking children to go on show |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx0z33e4zg2o |access-date=11 April 2024 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> Entitled 'Dreamland' the work consisted of 3 large colourful volcano-like sculptures made with young refugees and asylum seekers living in Kent, UK.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bailes |first=Kathy |date=10 April 2024 |title=Exhibition by Studio Lenca and young people supported by Kent Refugee Action Network to open in Margate |url=https://theisleofthanetnews.com/2024/04/10/exhibition-by-studio-lenca-and-young-people-supported-by-kent-refugee-action-network-to-open-in-margate/ |access-date=11 April 2024 |website=The Isle Of Thanet News |language=en-GB}}</ref> The title of the show 'Leave to Remain' comes from the term used by the UK Home Office for the immigration status which grants permission to stay in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 April 2024 |title=Margate: Art by asylum-seeking children to go on show |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx0z33e4zg2o |access-date=11 April 2024 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
In 2024, it was announced that Studio Lenca had been selected for El Museo del Barrio's Triennial. The museum show is curated by El Museo's chief curator Rodrigo Moura and curator Susanna V. Temkin, and guest curator María Elena Ortiz.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Durón |first=Maximilíano |date=4 June 2024 |title=El Museo del Barrio Names Artist List for Its 2024 Triennial, with an Expanded, Global Focus |url=https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/el-museo-del-barrio-la-trienal-2024-artist-list-1234708729/ |access-date=11 June 2024 |website=ARTnews |language=en-US}}</ref> Studio Lenca's work will be exhibited alongside Karyn Olivier, Norberto Roldan, Carmen Argote and Liz Cohen.
Studio Lenca made his curatorial debut in 2025 with the exhibition Leave to Remain at Kates-Ferri Projects in New York.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-19 |title=Intervista all’artista salvadoregno Studio Lenca |url=https://www.artribune.com/arti-visive/2025/06/intervista-studio-lenca/ |access-date=2025-07-18 |language=it-IT}}</ref> The show featured works from Salvadoran artists including John Rivas, Simon Vega and Marta Torres.
It was announced in 2025 that Studio Lenca was selected for Un-monument | Re-monument | De-monument by The City of Boston, a major public art commission in celebration of Boston’s 250th Anniversary, part of a series of new public art projects planned to expand inclusive histories across the city.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-13 |title=Mayor Wu Announces Year Two Recipients of Un-monument {{!}} Re-monument {{!}} De-monument: Transforming Boston {{!}} Boston.gov |url=https://www.boston.gov/news/mayor-wu-announces-year-two-recipients-un-monument-re-monument-de-monument-transforming-boston |access-date=2025-07-18 |website=www.boston.gov |language=en}}</ref>
Studio Lenca was selected by luxury fashion brand Hermès in 2025 to create a kinetic art installation at their flagship Bond Street Store<ref>{{Cite web |last=info |date=2025-09-19 |title=Object Studio Lenca x Hermès |url=https://thewickculture.com/objects-of-desire-object-studio-lenca-x-hermes/ |access-date=2025-10-09 |website=The Wick Culture |language=en-GB}}</ref>- the installation was entitled 'A line in motion'.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Colville |first=Charlie |date=2025-10-06 |title=Stylish London Pop-Ups & Events Happening This Month |url=https://www.countryandtownhouse.com/style/fashion-beauty-pop-ups-london/ |access-date=2025-10-09 |website=Country and Town House |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=nicolassmirnoff |date=2025-09-22 |title=Studio Lenca for Hermès |url=https://artisalive.co.uk/2025/09/22/hermes-x-studio-lenca/ |access-date=2025-10-09 |website=ART IS ALIVE |language=en}}</ref>
=== Individual exhibitions === A selection of Studio Lenca's solo exhibitions * Leave to Remain, Carl Freedman Gallery, Margate (2024)<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 April 2024 |title=Margate: Art by asylum-seeking children to go on show |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx0z33e4zg2o |access-date=11 April 2024 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> * Chisme, Parrish Art Museum, New York (2023)<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 November 2022 |title=CentAm artist joins with immigrants in Miami wooden figure project |url=https://www.laprensalatina.com/centam-artist-joins-with-immigrants-in-miami-wooden-figure-project/ |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=La Prensa Latina Media |language=en-US}}</ref> * Alquimia, Fina Cortesin, Malaga (2023)<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 June 2023 |title=How To Turn Your Biggest Challenges into Your Superpower |url=https://blog.mariabrito.com/articles/the-groove-144-how-to-turn-your-biggest-challenges-into-your-superpower |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=Maria Brito |language=en-US}}</ref> * El Jardin, Tang Contemporary, Bangkok(2022)<ref>{{Cite web |title='El Jardín (The Garden) ' by Studio Lenca – Tang Contemporary Art Bangkok |url=https://aura-asia-art-project.com/en/exhibitions/el-jardin-the-garden-by-studio-lenca-tang-contemporary-art-bangkok/ |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=Aura Asia Contemporary Art Project |language=ja}}</ref> * Cutting Through, Edji, Brussels (2023)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Studio LENCA – Cutting Through – Brussels Gallery Weekend |url=https://brusselsgalleryweekend.com/event/studio-lenca-cutting-through/ |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=BGW |language=en-US}}</ref> * Listo, Halsey Mckay, New York (2023)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Studio Lenca: Listo at Halsey McKay Gallery |url=https://www.galleriesnow.net/shows/studio-lenca/ |access-date=14 December 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref> * Ni de aquí, ni de allá, Untitled Art Fair, Miami (2022)<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 November 2022 |title=CentAm artist joins with immigrants in Miami wooden figure project |url=https://www.laprensalatina.com/centam-artist-joins-with-immigrants-in-miami-wooden-figure-project/ |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=La Prensa Latina Media |language=en-US}}</ref> * A Losing Game, Soho Revue, London (2022)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exhibitions |url=https://www.sohorevue.com/exhibitions-1 |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=Soho Revue |language=en-GB}}</ref> * I’m working on leaving, Tang Contemporary, Seoul (2022)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tang Contemporary Art Seoul – DayTrip |url=https://app.daytrip.io/space/62f87a677ee5a057fe2bc891/daylog/62f87a694541602c6906db5d |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=app.daytrip.io |language=en}}</ref> * The Dreamers, Foundry, Dubai (2022)<ref>{{Cite web |author=Kohinoor Sahota-Deputy |date=19 August 2022 |title=Photography to paintings: Foundry in Dubai announces its new season |url=https://www.factmagazines.com/arts-culture/photography-to-paintings-foundry-in-dubai-announces-its-new-season |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=Fact Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>
== References == {{reflist}}
{{morecat|date=January 2024}} Category:1986 births Category:British contemporary artists Category:Living people Category:Salvadoran artists Category:Salvadoran LGBTQ artists