About
Leona Yang was born in China. She is an artist and illustrator based in New York and is currently pursuing an MFA in Illustration as Visual Essay at the School of Visual Arts. She works with pastel, oil paint, and cyanotype across painting, narrative illustration, and bookmaking. Her projects include illustrated books and a courtroom sketchbook based on observation.
In her recent book, The Fracture, Yang uses a cracked egg to explore how emotional wounds shape self-worth and the ability to accept love. Through symbolic imagery, surreal environments, and soft color transitions, she examines how care from others becomes part of us, supporting growth and a gradual acceptance of ourselves.
Education
2025-2027 MFA Illustration as Visual Essay, School of Visual Arts, USA
2019–2023 BFA in Visual Communication Design, Zhuhai College of Jilin University, China
Exhibition/ Interviews
2026 Ghost Birds curated by Viktor Koen, SVA MFA Illustration as Visual Essay, SVA Chelsea Galley, New York,NY
Awards
2026 — 3x3 Annual No. 23 — Merit Award, Solitary Blue Silhouette
2025 iJungle Illustration Awards — Merit Award, Solitary Blue Silhouette