Leila Ataya creates jewel-like paintings of small objects that are executed with extraordinary attention to detail. They reflect her training in the traditional Russian icon technique. She writes: 'A realistic depiction of the objects in the still life paintings creates a feeling of illusion and makes the viewer pay closer attention to the small details of everyday objects and read their story.' Born in Moscow in 1979, Ataya studied art in Russia, then continued her study at Elam School of Fine Arts in Auckland, after moving to New Zealand in 1996. She won the 2000 Auckland Telecom Art Award. The work features on the cover of the 2001 telephone book.









