In Loving Memory of LEANNE JOY LUPELELE CLAYTON (1963–2026)
- Fono McCarthy
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
MEDIA PRESS RELEASE
McCARTHY GALLERY est 2006. Proudly representing and supporting a diverse stable of artists since 2006, including Pasefika Contemporary, Indigenous, Australian, New Zealand, and International Artists.
Proudly represented by McCarthy Gallery
I was first introduced to Leanne Clayton's artwork in 2006 while serving as the curator and head judge for the Martin Hughes Contemporary Pacific Art Award finalist exhibition, hosted by McCarthy Gallery in Parnell. I later encountered her work again through the 120 MINS exhibition at St Paul St Gallery, AUT University, in Auckland, New Zealand.
Leanne Joy Lupelele Clayton was a multifaceted artist of Samoan and European descent whose primary medium was printmaking. Her textile works beautifully combined cultural and personal memory, exploring the enduring roles of family, identity, migration, and tradition within a cross-cultural society. Through her installations, Leanne created a powerful confluence of Polynesian and Western cultures, thoughtfully utilising techniques, symbolism, and materials from both worlds.
Drawing from diverse historical references, including family photographs, found objects, clothing, adornment, and dress, she explored how cultural traditions shape who we are, where we come from, and how memory continues to live through generations. Leanne’s artistic practice carried both intimacy and strength. Her recent AAF Melbourne and Brisbane exhibitions captured the imagination of audiences. Some attendees were fortunate enough to hear Clayton discuss the depth of her work, which profoundly moved many to tears and expressions of amazement. Her artwork became a major attraction, and its popularity spread quickly among the thousands who attended. Her works honoured the lived experiences of Pacific peoples while creating space for reflection, healing, and cultural dialogue.
Clayton possessed a rare ability to translate heritage, spirituality, womanhood, and belonging into visual narratives that resonated deeply with communities across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Samoa, and the wider Pacific diaspora. A highly respected artist, educator, curator, and mentor, Clayton devoted much of her life to supporting Pacific arts and cultural education. She completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts in 2005 and a Master of Art & Design in 2007 at AUT University in Auckland, establishing a strong foundation for a distinguished creative career that would influence both contemporary Pacific art and community arts practice.
Clayton was widely recognised for her contributions to exhibitions and curatorial projects throughout New Zealand and Australia. Clayton served as an artist-in-residence and facilitator for the Samoa Tula’i (Samoa Arise) exhibition, held from Friday 27 November 2015 to Wednesday 24 February 2016 at the Caboolture Regional Art Gallery within the Moreton Bay community. The exhibition formed part of the 8th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT8), Queensland’s flagship contemporary art project and the world’s largest festival of Asian and Pacific art, held in Brisbane, Australia. Her significant exhibitions included A Fine Possession: Jewellery and Identity at the Powerhouse Museum Sydney, Samoa Tula’i (Samoa Arise) at Caboolture Regional Art Gallery, and participation in the celebrated Art of the Pacific exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria in 2016.
Clayton’s featured public collection artwork for the 2016 showcase was Ula Lei Pinaki (Pink). This piece utilised her distinct hand-printed and individually crafted approach to explore body adornment and intergenerational storytelling. Her works are held in important public and private collections across Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, and abroad. Her artistic voice became an important contribution to Pacific contemporary art history, preserving and elevating Pasefika narratives through contemporary practice.
The success of the 2016 curation laid the groundwork for the NGV’s expanded long-term commitment to Pacific diasporic art. The gallery now platforms these narratives within a dedicated and evolving Art of the Pacific gallery space at NGV International. Clayton also co-curated the exhibition Flat White, Black Pearl with legendary Cook Islands artist and curator Jim Vivieaere in March 2008 to mentor emerging talent, marking Clayton’s debut as a curator alongside Vivieaere’s established and illustrious guidance.
Beyond her remarkable achievements, Leanne will be remembered most for her kindness, humility, faith, and devotion to family and community.
Clayton was a loving mother, treasured grandmother, respected family matriarch, mentor, and a deeply God-fearing woman whose wisdom and compassion touched countless lives. Lovingly supported throughout her creative journey by her late husband, Bob, Leanne pursued her artistic calling with resilience, dignity, and unwavering faith.
McCarthy Gallery proudly represented Leanne Clayton and remains deeply honoured to have shared her extraordinary work and legacy with collectors, curators, institutions, and art communities across Australia and New Zealand.
Her passing leaves a profound loss within the Pacific arts community, yet her spirit will continue to inspire future generations of artists, educators, and cultural leaders.
We extend our heartfelt condolences, prayers, and deepest sympathies to her children, grandchildren, extended family, friends, and all who were privileged to know and love her.
Clayton’s legacy as one of the matriarchs of Pacific contemporary art will forever remain woven into the cultural fabric of our communities.
May she rest peacefully in eternal love, grace, and the presence of God. “Her legacy lives on through every artwork she created every community she uplifted, and every generation she inspired.
An extraordinary artist and a cherished close friend of the gallery. “Ia manuia lou malaga.”
Translation: A Samoan expression offering a respectful and peaceful farewell to someone who has passed away, meaning “May your journey be blessed.”
It has been an absolute pleasure, privilege, and great honour to serve as the curator and custodian of Leanne Joy Lupelele Clayton’s artwork.
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