Artist profile
Chico
Leong
Chico Leong is a Melbourne based Collage artist.
Chico Leong is a Melbourne based Collage artist and designer whose creative journey began with a passion for graffiti at a young age. This early influence laid the foundation for his distinctive artistic style, which draws inspiration from the decayed street posters found in urban environments around the world. While these weathered posters might be seen by some as visual clutter, Chico views them as compelling works of art and an essential reference point for his creations.
Over the years, Chico has showcased his art across various mediums, including galleries, zines, t-shirts, skateboards, homewares, and large-scale murals. Specializing in collage, he combines street posters and aerosol paints, layering and tearing them to craft dynamic, abstract compositions. His work captures the raw beauty of urban decay while reflecting a deeply personal and innovative artistic vision.
Career Highlights
- Putting on my first solo exhibition in 2023 at On The Corner Gallery in Collingwood
- Creating a collaboration piece with Sahil Roy for Australian musician Daniel Johns
- Working with Adidas and JD Sports on their artist series.
Artist Interview
What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?
I work in Collage. I started doing smaller collages for t-shirt graphics while I was running a brand with my brother. I really enjoyed the imperfections and abstract look you can get and wanted to try make a collage on a larger scale. After that first one I was obsessed plus there's no rules, which I think draws me to it. I have the freedom to make whatever I think looks good.
How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?
I usually start with a rough sketch or rough digital mock up. I sometimes come up with the composition of the work before I've chosen the imagery, although I'll usually have some idea of what I want to use and sometimes it's the other way around. I don't or well, I haven't yet just worked in a theme for an exhibition, it's more of a collection of small series that I like to create to make a body of work.
Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?
I have a small studio in Richmond, which I've been at for about the last 6 years. It's nice and private, which is great for me because I like to create when no one is around. With no distractions it feels peaceful, which is when I really enjoy creating.
