Born and raised in Germany, Nikki de León (1987) relocated to California in 2024, where her practice evolved further into a bold exploration of memory, resilience, and transformation. Drawing from her architectural background and an evolving connection to her Mexican-American roots, her work bridges worlds and materials.
Her practice combines painting and sculpture, transforming steel beams, Lego, and layered colors into striking constructions that evoke strength and emotion. Each work invites a closer look—what seems bold and minimal reveals intricate layers and textures. Through contrasts of material and form, her work explores the space between structure and vulnerability, uncovering new perspectives within the unknown.