Leena McCall

www.leenamccall.com

Instagram: @leenamccallartist

Facebook:@leenamccallartist

Artist Statement

Leena McCall is a British contemporary artist whose work interrogates themes of identity, sexuality, and the body. Known for her provocative exploration of eroticism and censorship, McCall’s art reflects both personal and societal narratives surrounding female identity and desire. She utilizes portraiture, drawing, and painting to engage in a dialogue about the complexities of erotic expression in a world increasingly influenced by social media, politics, and cultural restrictions. Her work is deeply influenced by her academic studies and the intersection between fine art traditions and modern feminist discourse.

Exhibitions & Events

2024

  • Sweet Art Salon Exhibition, London — Group Show.

2023

  • Museu de l’Art Prohibit — “Ms Ruby May, standing,” part of the permanent collection of censored art, Museu de l’Art Prohibit, Barcelona.

2022

  • RetRespect - 10 Years of SweetArt, London — Group Show celebrating SweetArt’s 10th anniversary.

2019

  • V.23, The Old Biscuit Factory, London — “RICH TEA,” MA Fine Art Group Show.

  • Stash Gallery, London — “Have a H’Art,” Fundraiser for SweetArt.

  • UNIFY Gallery, Farnham — “FRAGILE,” MA Fine Art Group Show.

  • Offside Gallery, UCA, Farnham — “Allusions to Rhizome,” MA Fine Art Group Show.

  • We are Sweet Art, Islington — “Intersectional Portrait Project,” International Women’s Day Event.

  • UCA, Farnham — “GHOST,” Fine Art Group Show.

  • Offside Gallery, Farnham — “Contain,” MA Fine Art Solo Show.

2016

  • Joie de Vivre Pop-up Gallery, Hampton Court — Group Show.

  • Surrey Open Studios, Farnham — Open Studio Event.

2015

  • University of Chester — “Talking Bodies: Identity, Sexuality, and Representation” plenary session, delivered with Anna McNay: “#EroticCensorship: The Case of Leena McCall’s Portrait of Ms Ruby May, Standing.”

2014

  • Leyden Gallery, London — “Ms Ruby May, standing,” Group Show and panel discussion: “Women in and as Art.”

  • Mall Galleries, London — “SWA 153rd Annual Exhibition,” Group Show (resulting in painting being censored for being “too pornographic and disgusting” and sparking viral social media campaign #EroticCensorship).

2013

  • Espacio Gallery, London — “Face-to-Face” Group Show.

  • Crypt Gallery, London — “Sweet Art Show No. 1” Group Show.

  • Espacio Gallery, London — “Face-to-Face, An Exhibition Exploring Portraiture” Group Show.

  • Chinawhite Club, London — “LUST” Group Show.

  • The Gallery, Cork Street, London — “Art Erotica Exhibition” Group Show.

2011

  • Sh! Women’s Erotic Emporium, London — “Boudoir Tales,” Solo Show.

  • Moabiter Kulturtage, Berlin — “Sofa Sessions” Group Show.

2009

  • Frauenmuseum, Bonn — “19. Kunstmesse” Group Show.

  • Waterperry House, Oxford — “Art in Action” Group Show.

2008

  • Hepsibah Gallery, London — “Flesh, Drawings by Leena McCall,” Solo Show.

  • Kensington & Chelsea College, London — “HNC Final Year Show 05/06,” Group Show.

Education

2020

  • University for the Creative Arts, Farnham — MA Fine Art (Part-time), not completed due to COVID pandemic.

2011

  • Russian Art Academy, Florence — Academic Fine Art Study (Full-time).

2009

  • Charles H. Cecil Studios, Florence — Fine Art Study at Private Atelier (Full-time).

2008

  • St. Oswald’s Studios and Heatherleys School of Painting, London — Life Drawing and Portrait Study (Part-time).

2007

  • Charles H. Cecil Studio, Florence — Fine Art Study at Private Atelier (Full-time).

2006

  • Kensington & Chelsea College, London — HNC Fine Art & BTEC Photography (Full-time).

Awards & Recognition

2012

  • Runner-up Prize and Visitor’s Choice Prize — Art Erotica Exhibition, Cork Street, London.

2009

  • Valentine Rothe Preis, 3rd Prize — Frauenmuseum, Bonn, Germany.

Publications & Media

  • McCall’s work has been featured in various art publications and online platforms, including the viral social media campaign #EroticCensorship, which raised public awareness about the censorship of her painting “Ms Ruby May, standing” during the SWA 153rd Annual Exhibition at Mall Galleries in London.

Professional Experience

  • Lecturer/Panelist — University of Chester, “Talking Bodies: Identity, Sexuality and Representation” plenary session.

  • Social Media Campaigner — Initiator of #EroticCensorship, a campaign addressing the censorship of erotic art.