About Ale

María Alejandra Leclair was born in Managua, Nicaragua, in 2003 and holds dual Nicaraguan and Guatemalan nationality. Her artistic journey began around age ten, when her parents enrolled her in painting classes with professional Nicaraguan artist Julio Martinez. From the start, she was captivated by the power of color and storytelling, particularly through animated film, which taught her that strong visuals can draw a viewer into an immersive emotional atmosphere.

This belief sits at the core of her practice: that art is a story captured through the act of creation, an act grounded in love and joy, regardless of the emotions it holds. She pursues this through a wide range of mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking, 3D modeling, and both 2D and 3D animation. She is currently studying Digital Media and Animation at Marist University, where she received the Baccalaureate Award for Excellence in Digital Media. Her work has been exhibited in the Senior Thesis Fall 2025 show, the VALUE(S) Made @ MakerLab exhibition, and the Spring 2025 Student Show. Her work reflects her identity and perspective as an artist, often weaving traditional techniques into digital practice.