New Beginnings by Anna Nordstrom

Art by the River is proud to host the first solo exhibition in Aotearoa by internationally recognised artist Anna Nordström. New Beginnings opens Friday 22nd August at 6pm, with an artist talk at 6.20pm. The exhibition marks a fresh chapter for Anna as a new Whanganui resident.

Born in Sweden to a family steeped in art and craft, Anna moved to Australia in 1987 and trained as a sculptor at James Cook University. Her career has since spanned more than three decades, with solo exhibitions across Australia and a string of accolades — most notably a Bronze Medal for Mixed Media at the 2019 Florence Biennale, one of the world’s most prestigious contemporary art events.

Initially working with found object assemblages, Nordström’s practice evolved toward relief-based mixed media works, shaped by both creative curiosity and the practical challenges of storing large sculpture. She has become known for her use of unusual, history-laden materials such as discarded linoleum and pianola rolls — everyday objects transformed into haunting abstractions. These works hint at environmental concerns, shifting landscapes, and social issues, offering layers of meaning to uncover.

Anna’s artistic philosophy rests on the belief that these reused materials carry traces of human activity — fragments of memory that speak to the development of human consciousness. It’s an approach that invites both casual observers and seasoned art lovers to look closer.

After moving to New Zealand with her partner earlier this year, Anna notes that New Beginnings reflects both her relocation and a reinvigoration of her creative journey.