Anita Levering

Born and raised in the Netherlands, but for the last 25 years residing and painting in New Zealand.

My painting-based research investigates the dynamic tension between chance and intentionality. I examine how unpredictable external inputs shape the creation of abstract paintings, allowing forces beyond my direct control to participate in their formation. While this methodology offers freedom, it also introduces vulnerability. By inviting uncertainty, I aim to disrupt habitual patterns, learned behaviours, and established ways of knowing. I do this through semi-controlled experiments that rely on variables other than the artist’s brush or expressive gesture.

My approach stems from a desire for detachment—a distancing of the self that shifts attention toward natural transitional processes rather than the artist’s impulse to impose form. By limiting my own control, I create conditions for play, curiosity, and discovery. This helps to suspend formal intention, subjective will, and the desire for overt expression. Embracing transience, the work echoes organic cycles of growth and decay, acknowledging impermanence as a generative force.

I treat painting as a self-referential medium. Paint is often applied as evenly as possible, minimi...

2010 - MFA, Elam School of Fine Art (Hons), Auckland University, New Zealand
1995 - MA IMM, Interactive Multi Media, Royal College of Art London co-joint with Utrecht School of Art
1989 - BA, Image & Media Technology, Utrecht School of Art, The Netherlands
1987 - BA, Fine Art, Amsterdam School of Art, The Netherlands

2021
Kunst10daagse, 22-31 October, location Tha Banque, Bergen N-H,, The Netherlands

2020
Exhibition at Oudtburgh, Bergen N-H,, The Netherlands

2019
Kunst10daagse, 18-27 October, location Oudtburgh, Bergen N-H,, The Netherlands

2018
The Dérive, Sanderson Contemporary (Room 2) 5-18 March, Newmarket, Auckland

2017
Open Ateliers Centrum Oost, 28&29 October, location Hyatt Regency, Amsterdam, The Netherlands - {link}
Open Ateliers Centrum Oost, 16&29 October, location CBK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands - {link}
Noord West Ziekenhuisgroep, kunst als medicijn, August and September, location Alkmaar, The Netherlands - {link}
Summer Showcase, group show 9-1-2017, Sanderson Contemporary Art, Newmarket, Auckland - {link}

2016
Summer Showcase, group show 6-12-2016, Sanderson Contemporary Art, Newmarket, Auckland - {link}
Writhe, Sanderson Contemporary (Room 2) 26 July-14 Aug, Newmarket, Auckland - {link} - {Artsdiary} - {install}
Neighbourhood, group show, Corban Estate, 1-2 April, 2016

2015
Advent, group show, 1-12-2015, Sanderson Contemporary Art, Newmarket, Auckland - {link}
Choice Chance Change, solo exhibition, Sanderson Contemporary (Room 1), 3-15 November 2015 - {link} - {opening night} - {Artsdiary} - {install}
Artwest Ex...