SAM LEITCH, Painter and Printmaker


Born in Henderson in 1989

Bachelor of visual arts majoring in painting, Auckland


University of technology, Auckland, New Zealand
2009

Sam Leitch is a contemporary artist known for his surreal approach to painting and hand-separated screen printing. His work reimagines everyday objects and symbols, placing them in unexpected contexts that spark curiosity and invite viewers into layered visual narratives.

At the heart of Sam’s practice is a fascination with the evolving relationship between artist, artwork, and viewer. Using bold colour and scale, he explores personal experiences and observations, crafting pieces that feel both familiar and disorienting.

Screen printing plays a central role in his process. Each edition is carefully hand-separated and printed by Sam himself, preserving the painterly essence of his originals while offering collectors accessible yet distinctive works. This meticulous approach ensures every print maintains the intimacy and vibrancy of his studio practice.

Whether displayed in a home or corporate setting, Sam’s artworks transcend trends—inviting audiences to pause, reflect, and discover something new with every viewing

'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 recontextualized 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

FAQs

Q1. Who is Sam Leitch, the artist featured on this About page?

Sam Leitch is a contemporary painter and printmaker based in Auckland, New Zealand, recognized for his imaginative visual narratives, bold use of colour, and hand-separated screen print editions.

Q2. What formal art training does Sam Leitch have?

Sam Leitch holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts, majoring in painting from the Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand, where he developed his foundational artistic practice.

Q3. What artistic style and themes define Sam Leitch’s work?

Sam’s art blends everyday objects, symbolic imagery, and surreal compositions to create layered visual narratives that explore the evolving relationship between the viewer, artist, and artwork.

Q4. What mediums does Sam Leitch primarily work with?

Sam’s practice centres on original painting and hand-pulled screen printing, where he manually separates colours and prints each edition to preserve the tactile and painterly quality of his work.

Q5. Why is screen printing important in Sam Leitch’s art practice?

Screen printing allows Sam to bridge the gap between painting and printmaking, offering collectors accessible artworks that retain the depth, texture, and artistic intent of his originals.

Q6. Has Sam Leitch’s art been shown in exhibitions or art fairs?

Yes. Sam’s exhibition history includes solo and group shows throughout New Zealand and internationally, such as Bloom at Turua Gallery and appearances at The Other Art Fair in Australia.

Q7. What recent themes has Sam Leitch explored in his artwork?

A recent focus in Sam’s work celebrates ecological recovery, notably the revival of the tīeke (saddleback) bird on Breaksea Island, reflecting conservation stories and environmental resilience.

Q8. Where can collectors learn more about Sam Leitch’s original works and prints?

Collectors can explore Sam’s Paintings, Screen Prints, and Giclee Prints directly on his website, where artworks are regularly updated and available for purchase or enquiry.

Q9. What makes Sam Leitch’s art appealing to collectors and galleries?

Sam’s combination of thoughtful narrative, skilled craftsmanship, and limited edition print releases makes his work appealing to both private collectors and gallery exhibitions.

Q10. How does Sam Leitch view the role of the viewer in his art?

Sam believes that the viewer plays a key role in animating his art. His works invite contemplation and curiosity, encouraging viewers to participate in the dynamic dialogue between art and interpretation.