Cherie Leung

"And then…" refers to the different stages of my art journey and reflects my way of storytelling—through transition, accumulation, and change.

During Covid I turned forty. As the world turned upside down, I thought about what I should do with the rest of my life. With three children, it felt scary and maybe even irresponsible to leave my job and go to art school, but with my family’s support, I took the leap. Now I am a more authentic version of myself, which I think makes me a better mother.

As I move through life, I gather ideas, objects, and moments, which become part of my work. The path has taken me to many unexpected and exciting places, from Oaxaca, to Chiang Mai, Alabama, and now living in London (UK), and I have been fortunate to meet many inspiring, talented, and supportive people along the way.

Labour, care, and process are central to my practice, which is rooted in identity, self, and motherhood. I think through making, working intuitively with materials as a way to reflect, learn, and share. I am drawn to textiles for their sense of domesticity and tactility, though I often use them to subvert expectations of “women’s work,” allowing them to become bold, expressive, and at times cheeky and loud. Working with unwanted and found materials is also, for me, a form of care and mothering—giving them new meaning and a second life through making and materiality.

And then… holds both meaning and lived experience, and I am excited to journey together with you to see what comes next.