Johannesburg, the capital of the Gauteng province, is South Africa’s most populous inland city because of the 19th-century gold rush. However, when you take the M1 North highway into the city, you are immediately welcomed by murals of the country’s biggest cultural legends. Urban sprawl tries to threaten the city’s history with its abandoned buildings and lack of service delivery. However, creative superheroes like muralists and illustrators remind us to look at their colourful creations. Indeed, this helps us look forward to a creative gold rush reviving the city.
With great illustrating power comes great social and cultural responsibility to immortalize the current age. Our search for creative, archival superheroes led us to the multicoloured creations of illustrator Leigh Le Roux. He believes in taking the leap and using every opportunity to move closer to your dreams. We spoke to him about his creative journey and how the music from local artists keeps him going.
Who is Leigh LeRoux, and how did he get his start?
I am a graphic designer who spent ten years drawing after my 9 to 5 while working in advertising as a digital illustrator. A year ago, I decided that I wanted to draw, which led to me starting a residency at August House Art Studio. I am also working as an apprentice at Sally Mustang Tattoos because tattooing is the next medium I would like to master.
Did you always know you’d be an illustrator, or were you hiding behind other talents before living in your truth?
I have loved illustrating and showing the world what I could see. However, for a long time, I struggled with self-doubt because I just didn’t think I had anything special to share. When I found my second illustration style, it felt different.
Your creations are eye-catching and GenZ-friendly. Who or what is the motivation behind your style?
An old group of friends I had a few years ago inspired the characters I illustrate. They were never afraid to enjoy time spent together and showed intimacy freely. Seeing my friends showing one another love was something I wanted to share. I love simplifying things in my own blob-like way. It feels natural to me. The way the characters are dressed is based on my love for streetwear and the things that I see other game-changers wearing in the industry.
Music is a big inspiration for local creatives from all walks of the arts. Who are the local artists you plug into while you work?
I would have to say Black Coffee, Da LES, and AKA. I find that a lot of their music motivates me to do all-nighters when I’m illustrating in the evening.
Illustration and graphic design are the winning combinations that set artists like Leigh apart. Above all, creativity is about adaptability, and he diversified his skills impeccably. On the flip side, Leigh believes in the power of collaboration between musicians and illustrators. Art is an archive of the times, and he believes in the necessity of creating timeless art.
Do you think timeless art still has a place in a fickle, trend-based world? Do you want your art to be timeless?
I think all artists want their work to be timeless, and I hope that one day my work could be seen as that. However, I feel like my work is inspired by where I am now. So, I feel like it may be more of a representation of contemporary life from a pop art-like perspective.
Which three local musical artists do you think can meet your criteria for timelessness?
I feel like Black Coffee’s experimentation in the genre he is in has been revolutionary. AKA and Da LES have music that has inspired me to showcase not only myself but those around me on this artistic journey.
Can the association between illustrators and musicians be a sustainable collaborative practice?
I think it is possible, and we see examples of this in events like the Back To The City Festival, Cotton Fest, and many more. This is where you see local artists spray paint or create murals that celebrate bringing those two mediums together.
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Where do you see yourself and local illustrative artistry going in the next few years?
Well, I think the future is bright. I saw the first South African NFT gallery, USURPA Art Gallery, open this year. It marks a celebration of digital art that the next generation will experience.
Apart from this, Leigh regularly films his process and pop-up installations for your enjoyment. Follow Leigh Le Roux on Instagram to see what he will create next.
