Alicia Leeke is a South Carolina-based artist whose work spans from impressionistic landscapes to conceptual art and digital mixed media. Her journey began under the guidance of Steven Nevitt at Columbia College. A transformative visit to Paris, and particularly to Montmartre and the Louvre, inspired her with the spirit of the French Impressionists, setting her on a path of exploration through plein-air painting. Her love for landscapes led her to produce a collection of abstract works, capturing the shifting beauty of nature.

Leeke’s work has continued to evolve, now influenced by contemporary photographers Susan Kae Grant and John E. Powell, whose impact led her to expand her practice into conceptual art and photography-infused digital media. She sees her art series as akin to product lines, each reflecting different facets of her vision, including textural landscapes, French cityscapes, and even a body of work inspired by phytoplankton. Her phytoplankton series, part of her science-art initiative, aims to educate audiences on environmental stewardship and was supported by a grant from the Charleston Scientific and Cultural Education Fund. This exhibit, View from Under the Microscope, highlights phytoplankton’s role in aquatic ecosystems and premiered at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Leeke is also a recipient of a grant from the Joan Mitchell Foundation, underscoring her dedication to advancing her unique intersection of art and environmental awareness.