Leslie Leong | Glorious Isolation: An Invitation to the Landscape

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Leslie Leong

(courtesy of the Gallery)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when isolation was often seen as a burden, one artist discovered its unexpected beauty. Glorious Isolation: An Invitation to the Landscape is a captivating photography series that transforms the idea of solitude into a celebration of human connection with nature. 

Set against the vast and wild landscapes of the artist’s backyard, the series features an anonymous figure clad in a yellow raincoat, holding a striking red umbrella. These vivid props create a powerful contrast, drawing the viewer's eye while emphasizing the immensity and splendour of the natural environment. 

What began as a spontaneous idea during a camping trip, near Snafu Creek, Yukon, evolved into a four-year exploration of "portraits of the landscape." The series redefines traditional photography by reversing the roles of subject and backdrop: here, the landscape takes centre stage, and the human becomes a subtle yet evocative invitation for viewers to step into the scene and feel its profound awe.  

By introducing elements of contrast and scale, the images highlight the grandeur of the natural world while evoking a sense of wonder. At times, additional colours introduced to the creative compositions to enhance the narrative, as seen in the playful "Rainbow People" piece for example.  

This unique collection challenges the misconception that photographs represent an unaltered reality. Instead, it embraces the artistic manipulation inherent in photography, from camera angles to carefully chosen props, to create immersive and emotional landscapes.  

The exhibition includes large prints and a digital display featuring the full series, accompanied by an ambient soundtrack. Viewers are invited to immerse themselves in the beauty and vastness of the landscapes, reflecting on the restorative power of isolation and nature.