In 1961, Leonilson moved with his family to São Paulo, Brazil where he later started studying art education at Fundação Armando Álvares Penteado in 1977. While there, Leonilson studied under multiple artists and instructors who were fundamental to his introduction to contemporary forms of artwork. Julio Plaza (1938-2003) was an artist and scholar who focused on working in new mediums and the conceptual theory behind connecting them to traditional forms. Additionally, Leonilson studied under Nelson Leirner (1932-2020) who influenced him through his use of allegorical (and sometimes also erotic) artworks focused on political and social criticisms. Later, Leonilson studied under Dudi Maia Rosa (1946- ) at the Aster Art School where, again, the use of materials beyond paint and sculpture were emphasized in their importance in expressing universal themes through an alternative mode.
