New Mythologies examines the impact of storytelling on human relationships. These paintings represent a continuing body of work that has been developed over several years during residencies in places as far flung as Latvia, Shanghai, and the high desert of Nevada and Wyoming.

Through this exhibition, Leake invites viewers to engage with the complex interplay between cultural narratives and human relationships. By exploring the motivations behind idealized images and the influence of storytelling on our sense of self and identity, Leake hopes to encourage a more nuanced understanding of the role that cultural narratives play in shaping human interactions.

Each painting in this series provides a unique perspective on the power of storytelling to shape our understanding of the world and our place within it.

Jeff Leake is a Portland, OR-based artist who holds a BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute and an MFA from UC Davis. Leake’s art delves into the intersections of culture, nature, and human behavior, bridging the contemporary with ancient influences. His work explores cultural paradigms governing human lives, blending historic imagery, cultural archetypes, and observed landscapes to create complex visual narratives. Influenced by Bruegel, Bosch, and his childhood science and history illustrations, his art blurs the lines between history and fantasy, revealing the intricate connection between humanity and the natural world. Leake teaches at Portland State University and is a co-founder of NW Noggin. He has received national and international recognition through grants and awards including the Arte Laguna Prize & Ford Foundation Golden Spot award.