Max Leiva Guatemala, b. 1966

Max Leiva (b. 1966) is a contemporary Guatemalan artist known for his striking figurative sculptures that explore the body and its relation to movement. His work blends the figurative and abstract, drawing on his deep roots in Mayan culture and his experiences traveling the world.

 

A former cyclist who competed in the 1984 and the 1988 Summer Olympics, Leivs often places his figures in architectural settings, delving into the physicality and athleticism of the human body. His more recent works, however, present a shift in tone. Figures are often faceless with distorted bodies and groups of characters appear together, glancing around with vulnerability or offering support through gestures like resting hands on each other’s shoulders.

 

"I'm fascinated by the human essence, our very condition, our fragility and behavior in society." 

 

After completing his studies at the Rafael Rodríguez Padilla National School of Plastic Arts, Leiva was awarded a prestigious UNESCO scholarship that allowed him to study sculpture at Silpakorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. Upon returning to Guatemala, he established a small workshop and began teaching and mentoring aspiring artists. In 1996, he received his first international commission from the Guatemalan Olympic Committee to create a sculpture of a Mayan Ball Player, which was installed at the Olympic Academy in Olympia, Greece.

 

Leica's work has been showcased in solo and group exhibitions as well as International Art Fairs in cities like Miami, California, and Colorado. He has also created notable public monuments, including the Monument to Miguel Angel Asturias on Reforma Avenue in Guatemala City (1999). His sculptures are held in prominent collections, such as the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano (MOLAA) in Los Ángeles, Museo San Juan del Obispo in Guatemala, and the Museo Olímpico among others. 

 

Leiva's talent has taken him to various sculpture symposia worldwide. With the support of companies, he organized the 1st and 2nd International Sculpture Festivals "Guatemala Immortal." Today, Leiva dedicates much of his time to the studio, preparing for future exhibitions and working on public and private projects. His artistry continues to captivate audiences with his skillful craftsmanship and thought-provoking sculptures.