PRESS RELEASE
LEAH ROLANDO | Folded Planes
Sep 26 – Oct 25, 2026
Leah Rolando | Folded Planes
Opening reception: 26 September 2026 at 11:00
In this new body of work, Folded Planes, I began heating and bending flat panels of Perspex. By reshaping them, the panels become sculptural forms, where the physical act of manipulating the material is as important as the photography itself.
Folded Planes explores how simple photographs can produce visually complex results. The process is slow and deliberate, with folds meeting at precise points to guide the eye and create subtle optical illusions. Light, shadow, and reflection extend beyond the object and become part of the final image. These effects aren’t entirely predictable - some are carefully planned, while others emerge by chance.
This technique developed naturally from the three-dimensional models in my All Sorts series (2025). While that body of work focused on constructed forms made by gluing together laser-cut shapes, this series pushes the process further: using 3D modelling software to design the sculptures, industrial machinery to bend them, and photography to complete the work by collapsing the space between object, sculpture, and image.
- Leah Rolando
About:
Leah Rolando is a photographic artist whose emerging career is defined by the exploration of optical illusions. She uses hand built sets as her backdrop and shoots perspex panels under hard studio lighting. Characterised by bright colour-blocking and meticulous art-direction, her work showcases a blend of clean lines and shadows.
Bio:
Leah Rolando (born 1986) is an emerging photographic artist living is Cape Town, South Africa. After completing a BA in film and media, Leah began her career as a multi-media producer, before turning to a career in commercial and fine art photography. Leah is an annual participant of Open Studios Kommetjie and is currently exhibiting at the Everard Read Galleries, Ultraviolet Gallery, Knysna Fine Art and Riebeek Kasteel Contemporary
