Leila Rose Fanner

Leila Rose Fanner is a painter and illustrator, born to a South African artist and an African American musician. Raised in South Africa, she currently works from her studio in Cape Town.

After graduating from The JHB National School of the Arts in Johannesburg, Leila underwent training in graphic design and watercolor painting. She held her debut exhibition in 1993 at the age of 23. Her current medium of choice is oil and oil pastel on wood and canvas. Leila regularly participates in annual group exhibitions locally and internationally, with recent appearances at international contemporary art fairs such as 1-54 in New York and London, as well as AKAA (Also Known As Africa) in Paris.

To date, she has held four solo shows and has been a headline artist for four years at Solo Studio's, an annual fine art event in Riebeek Kasteel. In 2018, Leila received a Highly Commended award in the UK Rise Art competition, which was juried by a panel including Gavin Turk, Fiona Banner, and David Bailey.

Leila Fanner's paintings have been featured in publications such as Harlem Fine Arts Magazine, Vogue Gallery, and SA Art Times. Her works blend figurative and non-figurative elements, characterized by dark or silhouetted figures, intricate patterning, vibrant color, and South African florals. Through her art, Leila weaves narratives about the soul's journey within the material world, often drawing inspiration from African flora and fauna, fabric patterns, and folklore.

Her artistic process is intuitive, reflecting a distinctly feminine perspective shaped by her upbringing in a family of women. Leila's approach to creativity and self-expression remains uninhibited by academic constraints.

Growing up amidst the creative atmosphere of a family spanning two continents, Leila's artistic education and influences were enriched by philosophical discussions about art, design, and music. She was also guided by creative mentors during her formative years. Her mastery of mediums and techniques stems from a relentless pursuit of experiential learning.

Leila Fanner's art is housed in public and private collections across South Africa, the USA, the UK, France, Belgium, Australia, Kenya, Sweden, Norway, and Germany.