Partners in work and in life, Leonardo Ledesma and Sea Zeda join forces at the LA-based Art Seen, established by Ledesma in 1993 as a fine art advisory representing artists from around the world. Together, they promote an impressive portfolio of artists and support clients whose spaces are brightened by stunning artwork.
Photo by Carlos Gonzalez
When and how was Art Seen founded?
Sea Zeda: Art Seen was founded in 1993 by Leonardo, a Los Angeles-based art dealer and curator with a background in architecture from USC. While still in school, he began curating exhibitions for friends in the art department. What started as small shows grew into a career spanning over 100 exhibitions worldwide. With a clientele ranging from private collectors to corporations and designers, Leonardo has built Art Seen into a multidisciplinary fine art advisory dedicated to elevating spaces and connecting people through the transformative power of art.
What is your favorite part about working together?
Leonardo Ledesma: We love the freedom of building a life and business together. Sharing the highs and lows makes the work more meaningful and having someone who truly understands your passions and industry feels like magic.
SZ: Our skills complement each other, but what really makes it work is our shared values: creativity, community, and, of course, great taste.
An unforgettable business milestone is:
SZ: Leonardo has accomplished so much in over three decades of business, from organizing an art benefit for the Jane Goodall Institute to hosting an exhibition at the Cannes Film Festival celebrating the 50th Anniversary of The Endless Summer to owning and managing several art galleries.
LL: Since we have been working together, a standout moment was exhibiting works by renowned L.A. artists at Scope Art Fair during Art Basel Miami, where we also presented a panel on Latin Cultural Identity in Art.
What are the biggest influences on your design aesthetic?
SZ: Our aesthetic is eclectic, but the spaces and clients we work with guide our vision. Every project starts with listening.
Photo by Marisol Malibu
Where do you draw inspiration from?
LL: Travel is our greatest source of inspiration. Experiencing art and design globally keeps us energized and attuned as art advisors and curators. The more you see, the better your perspective.
How does your work inform your personal and professional lives?
LL: For us, art is life; it’s difficult to separate the personal from the professional. We live, work, and breathe art, and much of our community overlaps naturally with our creative world.
Ten years from now, we hope our business will…
SZ: Our eyes are on international connections to serve our diverse artists and collector base. We’re exploring expanding our practice further into Europe and Latin America, where Leonardo’s family is from and where contemporary art is thriving.
Photo by Monica Orozco
This or That…
Indoors or outdoors?
LL: Outdoors, living near the California coast, we can’t resist the beach and sunshine.
Cats or dogs?
SZ: We love both, but unfortunately, our careers are too demanding to include them in our lives.
Playlists or podcasts?
SZ: Podcasts, we love to stay informed, and NPR is a favorite!
Comedy or drama?
LL: Both, depending on the art direction and storyline. Recent favorites range from Seth Rogen’s The Studio and Platonic to Euphoria.
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