A Mana Arts artist is taking Porirua creativity to the international stage after being selected for a prestigious contemporary art exhibition in Tuscany, Italy.
Lynn Blann, who is a regular participant in Mana Arts Thursday sessions and a contributor to Mana Arts and Pātaka exhibitions, has been selected for the Chianciano Biennale 2026.
The international exhibition was held from 15 to 29 August at the Chianciano Art Museum and galleries throughout the historic centre of Chianciano Terme in Tuscany.
Around 300 artists from more than 50 countries were selected for the biennale, with works spanning painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, installation and immersive art.
Blann exhibited her acrylic work “I don’t Understand”, a piece exploring the confusion created by the huge volume of information people receive and the challenges facing the modern world.
“My work represents the confused messages we receive about our challenged and fragile world and I hope viewers find my art thought provoking,” Blann said.
She said she felt privileged to have her work selected for the international exhibition.
“I feel privileged to have my art selected to hang alongside such amazing artists in this historic setting,” she said.
Working from her Wellington studio, Blann creates expressionist works using acrylic and charcoal. Her artwork often responds to social and environmental issues affecting communities around the world.
Her selection for the Chianciano Biennale follows her ongoing involvement with the local creative community through Mana Arts, where she has shared her work with other artists and contributed to exhibitions.
The Chianciano Biennale is organised by the Chianciano Art Museum, with artists selected through an international curatorial process based on artistic excellence and innovation.
Blann’s artwork and profile were also included in the official Biennale catalogue.
For the Porirua creative community, the selection represents international recognition for an artist who has been part of the local arts scene through Mana Arts and Pātaka.
