SAM LEITCH, Painter and Printmaker

I have always been fascinated by what defines a piece of art. At the heart of my practice is the relationship between the viewer, the artist, and the work itself—an evolving dialogue that continues to shape my approach. I use colour and scale to explore what is current in my own world, drawing on personal experiences and observations. Everyday objects and symbols are recontextualised within surreal or unexpected environments, creating a sense of both familiarity and disorientation. My aim is to invite the viewer into these layered visual narratives—spaces that raise questions rather than provide answers.

Recently, my focus has turned toward the powerful stories of conservation efforts in Aotearoa and beyond. My current body of work celebrates the remarkable revival of the tīeke (saddleback) on Breaksea Island—reflecting the tireless work of conservationists who brought this species back from the brink of extinction. The movement of the tīeke, symbolic of growth and resilience, mirrors the broader journey of ecological restoration.

The translocation of vulnerable species to offshore island sanctuaries has become a vital strategy in New Zealand’s conservation framework. Through a fusion of artistry and advocacy, this series honours the tīeke’s triumph while inviting viewers to reflect on the delicate balance between human intervention and the natural world.

Exhibitions

'Bloom'- Turua gallery, February 21- March 5, 2025, Auckland, New Zealand

'A Shared Table 2024' - Ambush gallery November 8-10, 2024, Sydney, Australia.

'Contemporary Creations of Colour’ - Turua gallery August 23-September 4 2024, Auckland, New Zealand.

‘Lock, stock and barrel’ - Turua gallery August 4-22, 2023, Auckland, New Zealand.

‘Les6’ - Turua gallery June 11-June 14, 2023, Auckland, New Zealand.

‘Welcome to the wall’ - Soul gallery May 13-May 31, 2023, Hamilton, New Zealand.

‘Circular motion’ - Sam Leitch and Jamie Adamson - Muse gallery July 11 - August 7 2021, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.

'A Show in print'- Artrite screen printing August 18 2020, Onehunga, New Zealand.

‘Contempo’ - Kab gallery. August 11 - 19 2017, Sydney, Australia.

'Tui at my window' - The Poi Room. Art week October 6 - 22, 2017, Auckland, New Zealand.

'They keep stealing all the oranges' - Allpress gallery April 11 - 18 2016, Auckland, New Zealand.

'Under the Archway' - Allpress gallery. September 24 - October 3 2015, Auckland, New Zealand.

'Highway to the Skyway' - Tyler street. February 20 - 22 2015, Auckland, New Zealand.

'Tui'- The Poi Room. May 23 - June 2013. Auckland, New Zealand.

Art Fairs

'The Other Art Fair' - January 29-Feb 2, 2025, The Timber Yard, Melbourne, Australia

'The Other Art Fair’ - October 3-6, 2024, White Bay Cruise Terminal, Sydney, Australia

‘Art in the Park’ - Eden Park September 19-22 2024, Auckland, New Zealand

‘Art in the Park’ - Eden Park September 7-11 2023, Auckland, New Zealand

‘Art in the park’ - Eden Park September 7-11, 2022 Auckland, New Zealand

Art Edit-Tranquility rules issue #40 pg.30, 2024

Home Magazine 'In two minds' Issue #513 pg.160 September, 2024

Primary Health and Wellbeing directory NZ. Cover image. 17th edition pg. 8-9 2023

Remix magazine -The unity issue. A conversation on art. issue #106 pg.71 2020

Remix magazine - ‘Does size really matter? A starters guide to investing in art’ Culture. Kate Milliken April 26th 2019

The Denizen - Art Appreciation Club. Sam Leitch - ‘The new breed’ October 9th 2017

The Denizen - ‘The next generation-With a proliferation of young artists on the rise, we introduce those worthy of your investigation’. Culture. pg 65. June 23rd 2016

The Denizen - ‘The next generation-With a proliferation of young artists on the rise, we introduce those worthy of your investigation’. Culture. pg 65. June 23rd 2016

The Denizen - ‘They keep stealing all the oranges’ Madeline Saxton-Beer. April 5th 2016

Allpress magazine -Sam Leitch review at the Allpress studio. Elizabeth Brookbanks. April 1st, 2016

Viva- 'One to watch- Get your culture fix this weekend at an exhibition by emerging artist Sam Leitch. February 15th 2015

The New Zealand Herald-National egg hunt to raise funds for sick kids. NewsA9. February 20th 2015