By VozEs
The creative artist Leonardo Macías has always questioned the reality and truth behind social beliefs and ideological constructs. Raised in a Catholic family, like most in Mexico, he discovered a passion for science and technological advancements in his youth, which eventually led him to embrace his atheism and explore his creativity.
Originally from Ocotlán, Jalisco, Leonardo currently works for Venmo; he has lived in Chicago for 15 years (though not all at once), and he reserves his creative work for his free time, as many immigrants in the country do.
The core of his work can be traced back to the documentary *DMT (N-Dimethyltryptamine)* (2010), which explores the concept of the “spiritual molecule”—a chemical found in all living beings that regulates our perception of reality.
“This gave me the idea that there is something we humans share with the rest of the tree of life, and how fragile the human perception of reality is,” explains Macías.
As technology advances, Leonardo adds, we observe and learn more about what makes us human and sets us apart from other species.
“Art and technology are what have always set humans apart, as they have allowed us to convey ideas and thoughts across time. We can still interpret the cave paintings at Lascaux in France on an individual level, and thanks to scientific and technological advances, we can define the passage of time and human evolution with greater certainty,” says the creative director.
Moving from a small town like Ocotlán to a metropolis as diverse as Chicago gave him the opportunity to experience other cultures and perspectives; this, supported by the psychological theory of contact—which challenges the prejudices we all naturally harbor—forms the foundation of his art.
After 10 years of developing his creative talent, Leonardo—or “León de las Aldamas,” the name under which he expresses his creative and political stance in support of promoting science, Universal Basic Income, the rights of people of color in the United States, climate change, unemployment, racism, and many other issues—has decided to get involved and use his voice to promote change.
“It’s time for people of color to stand up and make our voices heard, ensure our votes count, and secure protections for our lives. This is why León de las Aldamas was founded and came out of the woodwork to get involved, bring the voice of science to the table, and do the work we know works,” says the Mexican.
While working as a waiter at a restaurant, Leonardo used the order slips to draw on.
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