Leyla Cui is an emerging illustrator and surrealist artist who lives and creates in New York City. Focused on examining the intricate relationships between intimate human memories, identities, and femininity in contemporary society, Leyla employs storytelling scenarios to vividly illustrate emotions that starkly contrast yet frequently coexist - aspiration and loss, unsettling and peace, all amidst the tumultuous period of youth. In this way, Leyla challenges and disrupts the traditional boundaries of painting, pushing the limits of expression and perspective in her work. Her ability to translate these nuanced feelings into art is a testament to her empathetic understanding of the human experience and identity.