Lea Laetitia Thijs is a South African-Belgian Documentary Photographer based in Lisbon. Her work revolves around themes to do with mental health and the ethical challenges experienced in representing others. Both her personal and professional work are primarily shot on a large format analogue camera.
After a 3 year course in black and white analogue photography and a continuation of mastering her craft by participating in a variety of different photography courses and workshops across South Africa, Belgium and Paris, Lea obtained a BA in Photography at Middlesex University, London.
In 2019, Lea published her first book called ‘Safe House’, exploring her fathers Bipolar condition. She frequently does commissions for publications such as the ‘Financial Times’ amongst others and works on personal projects.
Exhibition at the French Alliance, Objectifs / In my lens, Johannesburg (May 2013) - Group Show
Exhibition at Curiocity Backpackers, SEA, a journey to South-East Asia, Johannesburg (Sep 2015) - Solo show
Exhibition at the Four Corners Gallery, Beneath, London (March 2017) - Group Show
Exhibition at the Truman Brewery, Middlesex University graduate show, London (June 2018) - Graduate show
Exhibition at the Truman Brewery, Free Range, Photography Week One, London (June 2018) - Graduate show
FR Awards runner up (June 2018)
Exhibition at Narrativa, Lisbon (14.01.2023-18.02.2023) -Solo show
Safe House published by Setanta Books (January 2020)
Published in IN PERSPECTIVES , Photo Club of the French International School - Johannesburg (Nov 2015)
Published in Rencontre(s), Photo Club of the French International School - Johannesburg (May 2015)
Safe House :
Splash & Grab
https://www.splashandgrab.co.uk/features/lea-thijs-safe-house
Its nice that
https://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/lea-thijs-safe-house-photography-280819
Wallpaper
https://www.wallpaper.com/graduate-directory/2019/photography
Edge of Humanity
https://edgeofhumanity.com/2020/03/12/bipolar-disorder-in-the-family/
BJP
https://www.bjp-online.com/2018/12/best-of-2018-emma-bowkett-ft-weekend-magazine/
Fire Cracker
https://www.fire-cracker.org/2019/11/lea-thijs/
Fotoroom
https://fotoroom.co/safe-house-lea-thijs/
Nowahala
https://www.nowahalamag.com/post/interview-with-l%C3%A9a-thijs-on-her-project-safe-house
The Guardian
Tender Photo
https://tenderphoto.substack.com/p/my-father-and-i
Publico
Time out
Email Address : info@leathijs.com
Phone Number : +351925025908