Leila Fanner

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Leila Fanner's paintings capture a spiritual outlook on her African environs.
The artist has exhibited at various South African galleries and her work is held in private collections around the world.
These are meditative pieces that would lend a sense of tranquil charm to a space.

California-born Leila Fanner is a painter and illustrator known for her mysterious female figures shrouded in shadow and lush landscapes. Drawing inspiration from the rich flora and fauna enveloping her South African home, Leila envelops her work in shimmering fabrics, vibrant colours, and decorative symbolism.

Leila Fanner's Early Career

Born to a South African artist and an African American musician, Leila was raised in South Africa and currently works from her studio in the Cape. The artist attended the JHB National School of the Arts, Johannesburg. Here, she trained in graphic design and watercolour painting. At only 23 years of age, Leila had her first exhibition in 1993. Since then, her works have appeared in Vogue Gallery, SA Art Times and Harlem Fine Arts Magazine.

Creative Practice

Her current mediums include oil paint and pastel, which she intuitively layers on wood and canvas. With a touch of Gustave Klimt and Art Nouveau elegance, her stirring paintings are at once experiential and fantastical. Raised by a family of women, her works present a unique, feminine perspective. Nestled within figurative and non-figurative styles, Leila's prolific patterning and flowing motifs are free from artistic or academic convention.

Exhibitions and Collections

Leila Fanner's art can be found in public and private collections in South Africa and internationally in Germany, France, Kenya, England, Ireland and the USA. Leila exhibits her work regularly in annual regional group shows, most recently in New York at the Harlem Fine Arts Show.

Selected Works

The Wait by Leila Fanner

The Wait

Paintings - 120x100 cm
Winter Took A Sip Of Spring by Leila Fanner

Winter Took A Sip Of Spring

Paintings - 120x120 cm
Dreamer I by Leila Fanner

Dreamer I

Paintings - 95x75 cm
Lobola III (African Wedding Gift) by Leila Fanner

Lobola III (African Wedding Gift)

Paintings - 100x100 cm
Lobola II by Leila Fanner

Lobola II

Paintings - 100x120 cm
I See You (1) by Leila Fanner

I See You (1)

Paintings - 30x30 cm
I See You (2) by Leila Fanner

I See You (2)

Paintings - 30x30 cm
Beauty Sleeping II by Leila Fanner

Beauty Sleeping II

Paintings - 120x160 cm
Afternoon Tea by Leila Fanner

Afternoon Tea

Paintings - 40x40 cm
Faith, Hope and Joy by Leila Fanner

Faith, Hope and Joy

Paintings - 100x100 cm

Guiding Light

Paintings - 130x130 cm

Autumn Slumber

Paintings - 120x160 cm

Long Story

Paintings - 160x120 cm

Words Of Wisdom

Paintings - 100x100 cm

Bringer of Dreams

Paintings - 160x120 cm

Picnic With Iris

Paintings - 100x100 cm

Succulent Garden I

Paintings - 100x100 cm

Mineral Shift

Paintings - 40x40 cm

Autumn After Noon

Paintings - 90x75 cm

Stasis I

Paintings - 100x100 cm

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