Leda Catunda's work gained recognition in the 1980s. At this time, she exploited elements of mass culture, creating paintings on printed fabrics, with an emphasis on the Kitsch aesthetic. "leopard" prints, tropical themes and fruits were frequently featured in her canvases. She would incorporate scraps of fabric, sequins and plush stitched onto the canvas in many works. The objects resulting from these assemblages also resemble a popular, everyday aesthetic, on account of the accumulation of decorative elements.
Leda gradually became more interested in the three-dimensional and objects, broadening her material and process studies. She then started incorporating other industrial and everyday materials, such as tulle, velvet, plastic, quilting, canvas, leather and formica to produce compositions like soft, almost unruly sculptures. Some are abstract, others represent common everyday objects, which reflect the theme of her painting.
Leda Catunda is one of the best known artists of her generation, known as Generation 80. She has participated in many editions of the São Paulo International Biennial and had exhibitions in Japan, the United States, France and Germany, among other countries.
