Leonard Maassen (b. 1998, Paris) is a German artist investigating the development of human perception through processes of techno-ecological evolution.
Working across spatial audio, film, and environmental sensing, Maassen’s projects operate as site-responsive sensory instruments that precipitate heightened states of perception. His practice translates embodied and orally transmitted knowledges into contemporary forms of ritual and communion.
Recent projects include a site-specific sound installation at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and compositions for an installation by Tomas van Houtryve. He has presented work and delivered talks at institutions including The Barbican, London School of Economics, Modern Art Oxford and Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
Maassen studied Geography at the University of Oxford, graduating with First-Class Honours before achieving a Starred Distinction on the Guildhall Artist Master in Electronic Composition at Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London. He was a 2023–2024 Guildhall Junior Fellow and received the 2022 Research Prize for his practice-led research at the intersection of sound, ecology, and spatial design.
CV
selected exhibitions
2025 Terrifying Sublime [composition for installation by Tomas van Houtryve]
2025 A Time of Living In Between [Nicosia, Cyprus / Hamburg, DE]
2024 Fragile Ecologies [TBA21 Academy; London School of Economics]
2024 Sonic Scultpures 3: Playground of Sound [Primary, Nottingham, UK]
2024 Re-Synthesis of a Ritual Space [UNESCO World Heritage Site Durham Cathedral, UK]
2023 The Energy for Tomorrow [Fabbrica del Vapore, Milan, IT]
2023 Heart of a Glacier, I [The Crypt Gallery, London, UK]
selected performances
2026 Leonard Maassen (Live) [Space Talk, London, UK]
2025 Lara Aisha / Leonard Maassen [The Helm, London, UK]
2025 Requiem for a Glacier Hollow [Space Talk, London, UK]
2025 Lara Aisha / Leonard Maassen [Candid Arts Trust, London, UK]
2024 Inside Cycles: Live [Rich Mix, London, UK]
2022 Ourouboros [The Barbican, London, UK]
2019 Horizon [Modern Art Oxford, UK]
awards/residencies
2024-25 XYZ Artist Residency [London, UK]
2023-24 Junior Fellowship [Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London]
2023 MUSE Digital Art Award – Finalist
2023 Sound of the Year Awards 2022 – Best Sound Innovation
2023 LOM Audio Award
education
2021-2023 Guildhall School of Music & Drama (Master of Composition in Electronic and Produced Music). Master dissertation: Artistic Research and Environmental Change: Reflections on the Production of a Collaborative Audio-visual Installation.
2017-2020 University of Oxford (BA Geography). Dissertation: Sound in the Everyday: A Participatory Ethnography.
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