By Al Mamun
NEW YORK: Bangladeshi-born contemporary artist Alma Leya has established herself as a respected name in New York City’s vibrant art community through her compelling visual storytelling, innovative curatorial work, and unwavering commitment to promoting diverse artistic voices.
Working across drawing, painting, installation, and mixed media, Leya creates emotionally resonant works that explore the human journey, the strength of womanhood, identity, memory, and the unspoken emotions that shape everyday life. Using charcoal, ink, and gold leaf, she has developed a distinctive artistic style that has earned recognition from critics and audiences alike.
A graduate of the University of Dhaka with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Craft, Alma Leya moved to the United States in 2013 in pursuit of broader artistic opportunities. Since then, she has become an active contributor to New York’s contemporary art scene as both an artist and curator.
Her breakthrough came in October 2021 with her first solo exhibition in New York City, “Progression through Pandemic.” The exhibition examined the psychological and emotional transformations experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the resilience, creativity, and hidden potential people discovered while navigating unprecedented uncertainty. The exhibition received critical acclaim and was featured in several media outlets.
Over the years, Leya has participated in numerous group exhibitions in Bangladesh, Bhutan, and across several U.S. states, including Massachusetts, Ohio, and Georgia. Her ability to maintain her unique artistic identity while embracing diverse exhibition themes has made her a sought-after participant in international and multicultural exhibitions.
Beyond her personal artistic achievements, Alma Leya has earned widespread respect for her work as a curator. She curated “Memoir,” one of New York City’s largest exhibitions featuring 35 Bengali artists. The exhibition received praise from the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL), art critics, and members of the local arts community for its organization, artistic excellence, and celebration of Bangladeshi creativity.
Her public art has also left a lasting impact. Two large-scale works inspired by Bangladeshi folklore are permanently displayed in Cleveland, Ohio, where they have been warmly embraced by both the Bangladeshi-American community and the broader public.
A registered artist with the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), Leya has received multiple scholarships and grants in recognition of her artistic excellence. She also served as a volunteer judge for the JFK Terminal 6 Community Art Program in 2025, reflecting her commitment to supporting emerging artists.
Currently serving as curator of the Visual Voice Program at the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, Leya continues to shape New York’s contemporary art landscape. Her recent exhibitions, including “Phenomenology: Dream vs. Reality,” “Emancipation: The Rise of Womanhood,” and the 2026 exhibition “Culture through Kaleidoscope” at the Redwall Gallery of Re-earth World Casino, have further strengthened her reputation as a visionary curator dedicated to creating opportunities for underrepresented artists, particularly women.
In recognition of her artistic excellence and social impact, Alma Leya received the Diva Award – Celebrating a Career of Art and Impact 2025, honoring her contributions to both contemporary art and community engagement.
Most recently, she completed a solo residency on Governors Island titled “Between River and Harbour: Stories That Carry Us.” Through live painting and installation art, the residency explored themes of migration, belonging, and shared human experiences. The project was highly praised by the Art Culture Council of Lower Manhattan and leading members of New York’s art community.
As her artistic journey continues, Alma Leya remains a powerful ambassador of Bangladeshi culture and creativity on the international stage. Through both her artwork and curatorial leadership, she continues to inspire audiences while building meaningful cultural bridges between Bangladesh and the United States.
