Anna Nordstrom

Anna Nordström was born in Sweden, with her father an artist and her mother versed in traditional craft. She moved to Australia in 1987 and soon after begun her art training at James Cook University, Queensland where she majored in sculpture. 

Plagued by a mysterious skin condition, Anna had to defer her studies and move further south to avoid the heat and humidity. She continued working and exhibiting in Brisbane and later at Byron Bay Fine Art Gallery, where she was quickly considered one of the 10 best artists. 

In 1998, Anna enrolled at Southern Cross University in order finish her fine arts degree and was successful in her application to become an exchange student to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. These 6 months were the most formative in Anna’s education. Surrounded by knowledgeable and enthusiastic teachers, working collaboratively with likeminded art students, and seeing the work of artists such as Rauschenberg and Anselm Kiefer encouraged Anna’s interest in Mixed Media.

Anna was never interested in painting on traditional media, preferring instead material that has already been used, such as pressed metal, linoleum and lately pianola rolls. These materials hold the memory of human activity, indicating the development of human consciousness – a philosophy that deeply interests Anna.

Anna has held solo exhibitions in Brisbane (Soap Box Gallery), Ballina (BCC), Dubbo (Regional Gallery), Sorrento, Victoria (& Australian Galleries). She has participated in numerous art awards and group exhibitions.

In 2019, she was invited to exhibit in The Florence Biennale where she won a bronze medal for her mixed media work, equal and opposing poses.

Anna moved to New Zealand with her partner in 2025 and now calls Whanganui home.