Ascendancy II

Limited Edition print by Anna Leyland

60cm x 42cm Print
on 300gsm Cotton Rag A2
Limited Edition of 50 = $480

40cm x 40cm Print
with 66cm x 66cm White Frame
Limited Edition of 50 = $880

Anna Leyland is a contemporary New Zealand artist (full-time since 2012). She has successfully exhibited in over 30 exhibitions since 2001. After being an oil portrait Artist for 15 years, 2012 saw a complete change in style. Influenced by her Graphic Design background, utilising pattern making and symbolism her works invoke conversations relating to the celebration of diversity and multiculturalism within Aotearoa – a hallmark of New Zealand’s social ethos.

This new body of work has now become her unique, distinctive style and has seen many corporate companies commission her work in the last 5 years. These commissions include works for the International Company Nespresso, Auckland City Council, Orcon and Mr Vintage. In the last 2 years, Anna has also completed commissions for The Haier Big Hoot NZ to fundraise for The Child Cancer Foundation and the prestigious International Hotel Sofitel Queenstown, where she adorned their grand piano as a feature artwork for their foyer. Subsequently her piano featured in Air New Zealand’s Kia Ora magazine.

In February 2016, Anna was invited to exhibit in Melbourne to participate in the famous ‘White Night’. Subsequently her show was listed as one of the top '5' shows to see on the night.

Since 2017, Anna has held 3 exhibitions; Perception a solo show at Allpress Studio, Auckland August 2017, Formation, a solo show at Allpress Studio, Auckland November 2018 and Woven Intent, an exhibition showcasing work by three contemporary New Zealand Women Artists, Ora Gallery Wellington, July 2019.

Articles and Interviews about her work have featured in the New Zealand Herald’s 'VIVA', Paperboy Magazine, Remix, Denizen, Idealog and Habitat by Resene.

Anna’s work features in many galleries throughout New Zealand and in private collections all across the world. She has a strong national following and is presently working towards moving her work further Internationally. Most recently, two of Anna’s paintings have been selected for a New Zealand Contemporary Art Exhibition that will feature in ‘Art Beijing 2020’.

My works are a reflection of my perception of life. I choose to see the beauty in everything around me; specifically the beautiful mix of cultures we have in Aotearoa. This is what I incorporate into all of my works, utilising pattern and symbolism. These are directly influenced by the multicultural heritage of my son and I; Fijian, Wallisian, Futunaan, Scottish, Hungarian, English and Kiwi. I have taken personal symbols and patterns from these different cultures and developed into my own, which then tell my story. My works are culturally diverse and inherently attract a diverse audience...