Collection: Leyto for Aleisha Taiwan

L'Epicerie Fine Art was commissioned for the opening of Aleisha, a Mediterranean restaurant based in Taiwan founded by Nico Gellon, to work with French artist Leyto on an artwork that will reflect the vibe, colors and environement of Aleisha's. Leyto's fantastic masterpiece, '#112,' located in the magnificent restaurant of Aleisha, is a breathtaking creation, towering at a majestic 112 cm that brings an explosion of wonder and mystery. With its clever integration of enchanting words and mysterious symbols, it adds a touch of whimsy.

Leyto, from his real name Goulwen Mahé is a French street artist. Born in 1980, in Saint-Brieux, in Brittany from the west side of France, he emerged in the '90s graffiti scene within the region. He spreads his creations just as well on canvases as on cities walls, abandoned industrial sites and factories and other forms that cross his path.

Fascinated by signs and symbols, he seeks to disobey the graffiti codes to elaborate his own graphic system. Numbers, letters, music flows and symbols are part of that graphic system. His sensitive and instinctive writing is born from “tags”, “flops” and “throw-ups” made on the streets; three emblematic disciplines of graffiti combining dexterity and rapidity of execution which have always stimulated his imagination.

Within the years with time, work and training, Leyto has mastered his perfect line and technique. By doing his own calligraphy, he used tools such as spray paint or brushes and created the different shapes, clear or bold lines.  

He then started a more serious studio work focusing on canvases and works on paper and professionalized himself into being a full-time artist.

While working in both the studio and the streets, he was enriched by his inspirations such as Pollock, De Kooning, Alechinsky or Dotremont. 

His writing, liberated from lettering systems, is improvised little by little so that it builds upon itself and mutates in a lyrical abstraction structured by spiky or rounded shapes, sometimes violent but always in poetic way. His improvisation is based on his experience.

Leyto is a master of the colors. He knows his palette, which color is going to match with the another one. When listening to him, you understand that specific colors are part of families and tones to finally find a perfect balance in the canvas. You will find different emotions and approach depending on the artist mood, music flow or inspirations. It is a life story being transcript into his paintings.

From his very colorful abstract paintings to his large wall frescoes, he invites us to enter an expressionist universe where color supports the lines by writing as much as drawing. Combining both the colors and his calligraphy, Leyto brings us on his poetic abstract journey.