Ouka Leele

The recorded working language is Spanish. The field of work recorded is visual arts and creative and professional writing. Work by Ouka Leele is recorded in the collections of Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Museu de Valls, CaixaForum Barcelona, ARCO and Museo del Prado. Distinctions recorded are National Photography Award (Spain), silver Medal of the Community of Madrid and Madrid medal.

• Name — Ouka Leele • Birth Name — Bárbara Allende Gil de Biedma • Born — 29 June 1957 • Birthplace — Madrid, Spain • Died — 24 May 2022 • Place of death — Madrid, Spain • Occupation — * Photographer • painter • poet

Bárbara Allende Gil de Biedma was born in Madrid on 29 June 1957 to a well-off family belonging to Bilbao's bourgeoisie. Her uncle Jaime Gil de Biedma was a famous poet; and her cousin Esperanza Aguirre served as the President of the Community of Madrid from 2003 to 2012. She picked up the alias of Ouka Leele from the name of a fictional star created by El Hortelano. She was one of the most important photographers during La Movida Madrileña and she also worked as an illustrator and wrote several poetry books. Ouka Leele's photography, which was usually combined with painting, was within the paradigm of postmodernism. In the first years of her work within the Movida, her works were garish and often focused on interiors. In her later work, her use of color softened and her subjects moved to the outdoors. She was a member of the Agence VU. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, she participated in 2020 in an anti-mask stunt organised by Rafael Palacios, and claimed that "the best mask is love". She died in Madrid on 24 May 2022 "following a long illness".

Ouka Leele was recorded at birth as Bárbara Allende Gil de Biedma. The authorities additionally record the headings Ouka Lele, Bárbara Allende Gil de Biedma and Barbara Allende. Her recorded language was Spanish. She was the child of Gabriel Allende Maíz. Other recorded relations include Jaime Gil de Biedma.

Ouka Leele is recorded with the occupation photographer. Recorded as having received National Photography Award (Spain), silver Medal of the Community of Madrid and Madrid medal.

• Centre of Vieille Charité, Marseille • Photography Andalusian Centre • Collection Arco, Madrid • Foundation Cartier, Paris • Foundation La Caixa, Barcelona • Cervantes Institute, Lisbon • Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Madrid • Tabaco Gitanes, Paris.