Leonardo Palencia

By LatAm ARTE

Leonardo Palencia is a Colombian artist born in Tunja, Boyacá. From an early age, he was immersed in the world of art, inspired by his father, also a painter, and supported by his mother. He began studying at the Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (UPTC), where his passion for painting quickly became evident. His artistic style is rooted in oil painting, with a focus on everyday objects and scenes that carry deep symbolic meaning. One of his most iconic works, Los zapatos viejos , was inspired by an old pair of boots he found while walking—symbolizing stories of displacement, journeys, and resilience. Palencia's art often reflects themes of memory, nostalgia, and identity. He later pursued studies in Buenos Aires, Argentina, focusing on cultural management and interdisciplinary artistic languages, broadening his perspective and techniques. Now based in Bogotá and Tunja, he teaches at Universidad Santo Tomás and also gives private lessons, where he shares his passion and knowledge with students of all ages. Nature plays a significant role in his work, and recent pieces have included representations of local flora and fauna, expressing environmental consciousness. A cycling enthusiast and Beatles fan, Palencia often draws creative energy from his surroundings and music. He is currently working on a book of illustrations that merges his artistic vision with ecological themes, aiming to leave a lasting cultural impact through both his art and his teaching.