Art, Identity, and Rebellion

Andrea Fort, known in the art world as Rebel Leona, is an artist who weaves her multifaceted identity into a tapestry of bold, emotional expression. Her work, a blend of gestural abstraction, symbolism, and line art, challenges conventions while inviting viewers into deeply personal and cultural narratives. Through her art, Andrea celebrates her roots, explores her identity, and embraces her evolving journey.

Andrea’s artistic journey began in high school, where her talents in film and digital photography earned her first place in her school’s art show. “I was the ‘artsy’ one,” she recalls, “doodling abstractly in class and paying attention to the unseen details others might overlook.” Despite her creative inclinations, Andrea initially pursued anthropology and communications in college, finding structure and traditional academics challenging.

“Learning can’t be forced; it has to come from a place of love,” she reflects. Now, as a part-time student at the Washington Stu- dio School working toward her Foundations Certificate, Andrea thrives in an environment that nurtures creativity. “The instructors, the staff, the vibe—it’s incredible. I feel the difference in my work, and others notice it too.” She also credits initiatives like Vika Visual Arts Association for supporting her growth.

Andrea’s love for art traces back to her childhood. Growing up in homes adorned with Peruvian textiles, African sculptures, and ceramics, she developed a deep appreciation for cultural artistry. “I love how, in non-Western countries, art is so effortlessly integrated into everyday objects,” she says. These influences, along with her sensitivity to music—“my first love”—form the backbone of her creative process.

Her experience as a third-culture kid has further shaped her artistic voice. Born to Peruvian parents and having lived in diverse environments, from the Andes to England and the U.S. East Coast, Andrea’s heritage is a mosaic of traditions. “I revel in all those influences,” she shares. “Heri- tage, adopted, and inspired—they all come together in my work. Even the shattered pieces are part of the whole.”

For Andrea, art is rebellion. “Conformity, complacency, and capitalism are the enemies of creativity,” she asserts. Her work channels emotions and thoughts through a stream of consciousness. “I want my linework to tell a story, my symbols to surprise you, my colors to make you feel something in your gut,” she explains. “I’m asking you to focus, to listen, and to explore what lies beyond the surface.”

Her artistic alias, Rebel Leona, encapsulates her journey. A combination of rebellion and the Spanish word for lioness, it symbolizes her roar against silences that once confined her. “Art is philosophy,” she says. “When you take care of yourself, you rebel. And through my practice, I’ve found my voice.”

Andrea draws inspiration from untold stories, cultural idioms, guerreras, live music, and nature’s miracles. “Talk to me about overlooked histories, textures, or your fight in this existence, and I’m all ears,” she says. Looking ahead, Andrea is thrilled to announce her new studio at Red Dirt Studios in Mount Rainier, MD, a vibrant hub in the Gateway Arts District. “This is big for me,” she shares. “I can’t wait to get to work on some wild mixed-media ideas.” She’s also exploring oil painting and preparing a piece inspired by Mahmoud Khalil, while incorporating ancestral elements into her art.

Andrea’s journey is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and artistic evolution. To follow her work and story, visit her Instagram @rebel_leona. Stay tuned for her upcoming website launch in August, and don’t hesitate to reach out with your own stories or ideas. As Andrea says, “No artist makes it alone.”