Angel Lesnikowski

Duality Of War is a critique of American intervention in other countries' conflict, stating it’s for humanitarian reasons, like fighting oppressive regimes or aiding civilians during wars. Still, when those displaced by these interventions seek refuge in the U.S., they are met with resistance, restrictive immigration policies, and racism. This contradiction criticizes deeper issues about how the U.S. lacks responsibility for the people impacted by its actions abroad. From a feminist perspective, the situation is even worse for women and children, who face risks of violence and exploitation in both conflict zones and as refugees. Sometimes, the U.S. uses women’s rights as a justification for intervention. Still, this stance is rarely matched by policies prioritizing their safety and well-being during the conflict or resettlement.

My favorite part of this piece is the intricate details I incorporated into the artwork. To depict the various forms of the bird in flight, I used a single video of a swallow and spliced it into stills, capturing her movements around her nest. I’m particularly intrigued by the busy chaotic destruction at the bottom right of the painting and how it contrasts with the serene desert-scape on the left. For the destruction, I drew directly from a recent photo of buildings in Palestine, now reduced to rubble. The reference is less than a year old and allowed me to draw parallels between contemporary wars and historical conflicts by including World War II planes in the composition. I deliberately removed the insignias and symbols from the aircraft to generalize the critique, making it a commentary on the war rather than targeting any specific country.

Angel Lesnikowski is a contemporary artist whose work engages deeply with themes of mortality, human rights, and feminist perspectives, often explored through the lens of the female gaze. Her art interrogates complex issues such as war in the Middle East, pro-choice advocacy, and the human experience, blending emotional intensity with conceptual rigor. Lesnikowski’s approach is both personal and political, using visual storytelling to challenge societal norms and provoke thought. In her studio, she experiments and masters multiple mediums to create art that provokes thought and conversation about her identity, world history, and societal issues.

Half Assyrian Iraqi and half white cowboy from LA, Lesnikowski's upbringing was shaped by two vastly different cultural influences, creating a unique perspective in their work. Raised in a household where these diverse backgrounds converged, they explore these intersecting identities in her art, blending personal narratives with broader cultural and political themes.

Though still early in their career, Lesnikowski has exhibited across the Central Valley and Bay Area since 2018, with works featured in solo and group exhibitions. Brea Gallery is their first exhibition in southern California and is in search of establishing herself in communities around the country. With a growing reputation, Lesnikowski’s work resonates with those interested in art that reflects and critiques contemporary issues, positioning them as an emerging voice in the art world.