Leo Elia (born 1998 in Berlin) is a German “Post-Socialist Futurist“ artist. His work unfolds in expansive narrative cycles. Each cycle integrates a range of techniques, including sculpture, drawing, painting, sound, performance, and video.A recurring theme in Elia’s practice are cycles of promise and disappointment. He frequently overlays disparate historical timelines and treats entertainment media as documentary evidence, tracing continuities between the past, the present, the future and fantasy. His work often implicitly engages with the legacy of the GDR and the aftermath of the Wende.Born to East German parents, Elia grew up in Berlin-Mitte during the gentrifying surge of the 1990s, surrounded by the debris of socialism. His father, a former advertising professional, introduced him to marketing tactics by analyzing Super Bowl commercials. A formative encounter with Yoko Ono in his teens prompted him to pursue art.

Elia has exhibited internationally since 2023. Upcoming solo exhibitions include a crossover between aaaa Nordhavn, Copenhagen and Basement (in conjunction with Rewild), Copenhagen (2025); and aaaa Nordhavn, Copenhagen (2026). Recent solo exhibitions include SARA’S, New York (with Rachel Rosheger) (2023). Upcoming group exhibitions include Dummy, Copenhagen (2025). Recent group exhibition include UBS Exhibition Center, New York (2024); Kupfer Gallery, London (2024); Palazzo San Giuseppe, Polignano a Mare (2024); Deichtorhallen, Hamburg (2024); Lobe Block, Berlin (2023); and Locker Room Gallery, New York (2023).Elia has curated and co-curated exhibitions at Deichtorhallen, Hamburg (2024) and Investment Manuals, New York (2024).His work has appeared in Kunstforum International, D.N.R., and other publications, and has been supported by a range of scholarships and grants, including the Deutschlandstipendium, ASA Stipend, DAAD Scholarship, Karl H. Ditze Grant, and the BKM Grant.Elia studied at Bard College, New York and Hochschule für Bildende Künste Hamburg.

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2025