Xavier Laurent Leopold, born in 1992 to a Sierra Leonean father and a Martinican mother, is a multidisciplinary artist, illustrator, author, and lecturer hailing from South London, UK. His artistic exploration revolves around abstract portraiture, cubism and sculpture, delving into concepts such as time, introspection, faith, relationships, and legacy. Xavier is currently pursuing a MA in Sculpture at The Royal College of Art (class of ‘25) and is a Sir Frank Bowling scholar.
His artistic journey began during the 2020 lockdown, a period of global slowdown amidst social and political unrest. For Xavier, art became a source of personal therapy and a form of escapism for his audiences. Since then, he has showcased his work in various London and European exhibitions at institutions such as The Barbican; Christies and Sotheby's Institute. Xavier has also exhibited in Africa, as part of the Dakar Biennale, Senegal. Additionally he has hosted two successful solo shows and in 2024, his work was notably exhibited alongside original works of Jean-Michel Basquiat at the Bishop Gallery in Brooklyn, New York.
Xavier is an avid advocate for mental health and is notably a Place2Be champion, supporting the children's mental health charity for which Catherine Middleton is a patron. In 2020, he raised £65,000 for the advancement of the work of Black Minds Matter UK. His debut book, Art for The Heart, is distributed in bookshops globally and can be found on the shelves of institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Tate Modern and Wellcome Collection. The activity journal promotes mental wellbeing through creative expression for children aged 7-12 and Xavier facilitates creative workshops based on its themes at schools and literature fairs across the UK.
Xavier further contributes to education by serving as a visiting lecturer at universities such as Sotheby's Institute and the University of East London, lending his voice and knowledge to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Additionally, Xavier sits on the Board of Trustees for The Africa Center, an organisation promoting African art and culture in the diaspora.
Additionally, Xavier frequently participates in panel discussions sharing his world view and unique insights. He has also sat on appraisal and judging panels for both art and children’s literature.
Balancing his artistic pursuits, Xavier also has a professional career as a finance trader. This dual expertise reflects his belief in the power of versatility and embracing multiple paths in life, challenging conventional career norms and inspiring others to explore their unique combinations of talents and interests.
Legacy, Group exhibition, exhibited alongside the late Jean Michel Basquiat, The Bishop Gallery, Brooklyn NYC (2024)
Christies Inc, Christies Lates Group Exhibition, London (2024 )
HSBC HQ, Quasar Group Exhibition, London (2024)
‘Reclaiming Narratives’ Group Exhibition, Liberty London (2024)
How Do We Reconcile, Group Exhibition, Copeland Gallery (2024)
Dakar Biennale, Past, Present Future, OFF Programme, Senegal (2024)
Babrican Centre, Echoes of Identity, Group Exhibition, London (2025)
Brixton Studios, Soho House, ‘Art For The Heart’ Children's Workshop (2021)
'Art For The Heart' Published, Hachette Book Group Publishing (2022)
Edinburgh Book Festival Delivered ‘Art For The Heart’ Children's workshop (2022)
£65,000 raised for Black Minds Matter UK through inaugural solo exhibition (2020)