Anna Leyland is a contemporary New Zealand artist who has been working full-time since 2012 and has participated in over 30 exhibitions since 2001. After 15 years as an oil portrait artist, she underwent a significant style transformation in 2012, influenced by her graphic design background. Her work, characterized by pattern making and symbolism, celebrates diversity and multiculturalism in Aotearoa, reflecting New Zealand's social ethos.
This distinctive new style has led to numerous corporate commissions over the past five years, including projects for Nespresso, Auckland City Council, Orcon, and Mr Vintage. Recently, she has also completed notable commissions for The Haier Big Hoot NZ, raising funds for The Child Cancer Foundation, and the International Hotel Sofitel Queenstown, where she adorned a grand piano featured in Air New Zealand’s Kia Ora magazine.
In February 2016, Anna was invited to exhibit in Melbourne's famous ‘White Night,’ where her show was listed among the top five to see. Since 2017, she has held three exhibitions: Perception, a solo show at Allpress Studio in Auckland in August 2017; Formation, another solo show at Allpress Studio in November 2018; and Woven Intent, an exhibition featuring work by three contemporary New Zealand women artists at Ora Gallery Wellington in July 2019.
Her work has been featured in various publications, including the New Zealand Herald’s VIVA, Paperboy Magazine, Remix, Denizen, Idealog, and Habitat by Resene. Anna's artwork is showcased in galleries throughout New Zealand and held in private collections worldwide. With a strong national following, she is currently working to expand her international presence. Most recently, two of her paintings were selected for a New Zealand Contemporary Art Exhibition at Art Beijing 2020.
Rent Anna's beautiful artwork at Mobile Art Gallery.
"My works reflect my perception of life. I choose to see the beauty in everything around me, particularly the diverse cultures in Aotearoa. This multicultural heritage—Fijian, Wallisian, Futunaan, Scottish, Hungarian, English, and Kiwi—directly influences my use of pattern and symbolism, telling my story and attracting a diverse audience."
