Leilani Chia is an emerging artist based in Meanjin (Brisbane) who graduated from a Bachelor of Visual Arts Honours in 2024. As an avid creative and passionate individual, Leilani brings a unique perspective to the contemporary arts scene. Working mainly in oils on wood board, as well as pen and watercolour on paper, she draws from her imagination and subconscious to express surreal scenes and narratives.

Focused on investigating the relationship between the beautiful and the macabre, her work often utilises the manipulation of human and organic forms, transforming the familiar into the uncanny. As a lover of intricate details, Leilani’s works are intended to be appreciated from both up close and afar.

Leilani’s third-year major project was one of three highly commended from a QAGOMA representative in 2023. Her honours project was chosen to be a part of a group exhibition at Echo and Bounce at the end of 2024, and exhibited her most recent painting at a group exhibition hosted at House Conspiracy. She continues to develop her practice on her own time, learning and growing side by side with the wonderful people in her life (shoutout @spotwillows and @artshowfactory !)