In the realm of modern visual art, few names stand out like Layla Vladi, a German-born artist who has carved out a unique niche through her emotionally evocative and surreal works. From her humble beginnings in the coastal town of Timmendorfer Strand to her international exhibitions across the globe, Layla’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of creativity.
Born on October 17, 1997, in Lübeck, Germany, Layla grew up between Lübeck and Timmendorfer Strand, a picturesque coastal town by the Baltic Sea. The constant movement during her childhood, as her family relocated frequently, became the foundation for her deeply personal and introspective work. “Growing up, I spent a lot of time alone, but that solitude allowed me to really explore my artistic identity,” she recalls. Her mother and grandmother encouraged her early interest in traditional art forms, setting the stage for her future in the arts.
Today, Layla is based in San Francisco, where she creates what she describes as “visual poetry.” Her work, a fusion of traditional and digital techniques, often draws from Japanese folklore, anime, video games, and Romantic poetry. The results are dreamlike landscapes and haunting figures, exploring the emotional extremes of human experience. These themes of fantasy, melancholy, and transformation are a common thread in her creations.
One of the most striking aspects of Layla’s art is her commitment to authenticity. In an era where AI-generated art is becoming more prevalent, Layla remains dedicated to the craft of painting from scratch. “I’m strongly against using AI art,” she says. “My work takes time, but that’s part of the process—I want people to see the art evolve from start to finish.” Layla frequently shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of her work process, offering an intimate look at how her surreal worlds come to life.
Layla’s art has garnered significant attention both in the United States and internationally. She has exhibited her work in prestigious venues such as Artifact NYC, the LA Art Show, and Frieze Seoul, with solo exhibitions in Oxford and New York. Her visual storytelling has captured the imagination of audiences across Europe, Asia, and North America. “Exhibiting globally has been a dream come true,” she says. “It’s amazing to see how people from different cultures connect with the themes in my work.”
But it’s not just art exhibitions that have defined Layla’s career. She has also collaborated with renowned musicians and brands, blending visual art with other forms of storytelling. Her work with Japanese Visual Kei musicians like Miura Ayme (ミウラアイム) and Yue from Kizu (キズ ユエ) has been a particular highlight. Layla created official album artwork, merchandise, and jewelry designs for these artists, combining her love of music and visual narrative. “The collaboration with Miura Ayme on projects like the ‘Sun and Moon’ art design was a fantastic experience,” she shares.
Most recently, Layla has had the privilege of working with Krist Novoselic, the iconic bassist of Nirvana, on his latest project, Krist Novoselic’s Bona Fide Band. The band, which also features Mark Pickerel from Screaming Trees and the vocalists from 3rd Secret, Jillian Weiss and Jennifer Johnson, tapped Layla to create the official artwork for their performances, including their renditions of classic songs like “Love Buzz” and “The Man Who Sold the World.”
“This project was a dream collaboration,” says Layla. “It brought together iconic musicians, and I was honored to contribute my visual storytelling to their music. The intersection of grunge, rock, and visual art was incredibly inspiring.”
Layla’s ability to merge different creative worlds has made her a sought-after artist in both the art and entertainment industries. Her partnerships with major brands such as XPPen, Graphixly, and Clip Studio Paint have further solidified her status as a leading figure in the digital art community. Layla’s art, which draws from literature, mythology, and music, continues to resonate with a wide range of audiences.
Looking ahead, Layla remains committed to pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. “My goal is to continue exploring mystical, otherworldly realms and sharing them with as many people as possible,” she says. Whether through collaborations with musicians, brands, or solo exhibitions, Layla is determined to continue creating art that invites viewers to escape into her ethereal worlds.
For those eager to follow her journey, Layla shares her art and updates through her social media platforms and her official website. Her recent collaboration with Krist Novoselic’s Bona Fide Band has garnered significant attention, and fans of her work can expect more exciting projects on the horizon.
Layla Vladi is not just an artist—she’s a storyteller, a visionary, and a creator of worlds that transcend the ordinary. In a time where art often feels mechanical or disconnected, Layla’s deeply emotional and personal work is a reminder of the power of imagination and the beauty of the surreal.