The Movement of Thought

Meet Lea Colombo, a visionary artist from Cape Town, whose work hopscotches and transcends those lines typically drawn between art, design, sculpture and photography. Known for her explorations of colour and the mysteries its spectrum holds, Lea’s work is at once intimate, intuitive, and spontaneous. For hube, she created a series of artworks that draw upon diverse mediums to tell stories beyond the everyday. Join us as we enter the richly hued world of Lea Colombo.

hube: Your creative work revolves around the human body, which serves as both a theme and a source of inspiration for you. Harmony, plasticity, fragility, uniqueness, beauty—which mysteries of human beings attract you the most?

Lea Colombo: I believe that the human being is the greatest mystery. There’s so much inside us waiting to be explored and understood. In a world where we often feel disconnected and [in which we are] surrounded by constant digital distractions, we should take a moment to tune in and really listen to ourselves. I’m fascinated by the strength and power we have within our minds. There is an innate potential in every individual that I am drawn to.

h: Without attempting to unravel the mystery of creative inspiration, how do spontaneity, intuitiveness, and rationality interact in your creative process?

LC: I think intuition has a crucial role in shaping my creative process. I’m always relying on my instincts and senses. Creating demands an environment where I can liberate my thoughts from self-judgement, enabling the free flow of consciousness from a unique vantage point. This is the best way for me to create. In my art, I don’t set limits or doubt myself. I work in a way that allows me to always channel my ideas, letting go of words we are so used to using, or limiting ourselves with. I let my creativity be guided by my intuition, by the movement of thought. 

h: Colour is an essential tool in your creative process. What does colour mean to you? 

LC: Colour, to me, is the living language of light. It’s the essence of everything we see and feel—an expressive dance of vibration and energy, a lifeforce in its own right. Working with colour is a fantastic experience, tuning into its resonance and harnessing its power. I’ve noticed that people often shy away from it, hesitant to be playful. However, the moment you engage them in a conversation about colour, there’s an immediate intrigue, an energy pull. I’ve always cherished colour, surrounding myself with its strength and joy. It’s like embracing lifeforce in every shade. Witnessing how colour evolves and playing with it is a fascinating journey that encourages us not to fear but to revel in its beauty.

Colours contribute immensely to the world. There’s a vast realm of possibilities to explore and embrace, a potential that feels untapped. It’s about pure light, unadulterated joy, seamless harmony, lively movement, and exhilarating vibration—a source of upliftment [sic] and pure energy. There is a sense of lacking vitality in a world often dominated by whites, greys, beiges, or black and white, there’s a sense of lacking vitality. Recently, I completed my house in Cape Town, and even the insurance agent who visited was captivated.  The vibrant colours blew him away. So, the energy of colour indeed has a profound impact. It is not just a visual aspect; it’s a driving force with the potential to create impact. In my larger projects, I am committed to continuing to explore, push boundaries, and amplify the significance of colour.

h: How do form and colour provoke an idea? What comes first for you, the concept or the form? 

LC: I believe we’re all, at the core, defined by our form and shape. Working with the body has allowed me to appreciate its strength, exploring it as a canvas, untouched by the materialistic world. This approach has shifted my perspective, encouraging me to think differently and focus on the essence of shape. When combined with colour, new dimensions unfold, offering countless possibilities for expression. But still, colour remains at the forefront of my creative process, evolving and influencing the way I curate these diverse forms.