Gallerist Elle Föenander

Elle Föeander is the founder and driving force behind Föenander Galleries, a contemporary art dealership located in Auckland's Parnell district. Known for her sharp eye for emerging talent and her cultivated approach to the art world, Elle has built a space that blends artistic innovation with sophistication. Outside of her gallery, she is an accomplished conversationalist, a very good bass player, and a style icon whose personal flair is matched only by her discerning taste in art and culture.

Elle opened Föeander Galleries in 2010 after years of immersing herself in the art world and curating exhibitions around New Zealand. With a passion for discovering fresh, contemporary talent, Elle has turned Föeander Galleries into a go-to spot for exciting new art. Located in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, the gallery offers a laid-back yet inspiring space where emerging and established artists showcase their work in all kinds of mediums, from painting to sculpture to digital art. The gallery represents a diverse group of artists, including Jane Malthus, Mark Cross, and Luka S. Ford, and is also home to the estate of the legendary New Zealand artist Ralph Hotere. Foeander Galleries has become a place where creativity thrives, offering a welcoming atmosphere for art lovers, collectors, and anyone looking to explore something new.

Here we talked about Elle’s home, personal style, daily inspirations and more.

Can you tell us about your journey as a gallerist and how it all began?

I can probably distil the journey to a series of memorable and ultimately pivotal moments :
The first being when I saw a drawing of my father’s, age 3.
Receiving a set of watercolour paints, age 5.
Experiencing Narcissus Garden by Yayoi Kusama at QAGOMA, age 15. (Which took me decades to truly appreciate)
The note my art teacher left in my visual diary, age 17.
And finally, deciding to move on from my job (and career) in property to establish the gallery, age 30.

At what point in your career did you begin to truly trust your taste and feel confident in your artistic choices?

When I turned 4, verified by my mother.

To what extent does the personality of an artist influence your evaluation of their work?

In most cases, the work is intrinsically connected to the artist and vice versa. I find that if I describe the personality of the artist as I understand it, the same is true of their work:

Jess Swney: considered, extraordinary.
Anton Forde: true, magnificent.
Vishmi Helaratne: intelligent, powerful.
Andy Leleisi’uao: meticulous, abundant.
Nick Herd: sincere, captivating.

Living with art is such a personal experience. Do you tend to collect art more with your heart or with your mind? Any advice for new collectors?

My opinion is to buy works you connect with, work that evokes a response be it positive or uncomfortable. There is an opportunity to challenge your own perception by living with work that you might not immediately like, whether you can or can’t pinpoint why, that is part of the journey. Or quite simply—buy work you like.

I often know if I have to have a work, from the moment I see it, and this is always inspired by the aforementioned connection.

How have you seen the global art industry evolve over the years?

The art world shifts with the times, and trends follow suit.

We are now in a momentum-growing movement of repatriation with where there is a call for the return of artworks and cultural artifacts to their country of origin. This repatriation responds to exploitation whereby indigenous treasures which hold immense cultural significance were (questionably) removed from their rightful communities and housed in private collections and museum around the world.

This movement aims to acknowledge loss, correct past injustice and restore dignity. Last year the FBI returned a looted Monet pastel to the owners’ heirs 84 years later.

What are some of the most exciting discoveries you’ve made recently in the art world?

Monica Rani Rudhar – I have recently had the pleasure of discovering the work of Monica, furthermore developing a relationship with her ahead of presenting her work at the 2025 Aotearoa Art Fair.

The work resonates on many levels, Monica’s life and practice is informed by tri-culture identity. With both Indian and Romanian heritage, growing up in Australia - she embraces all aspects offering valuable lessons in the celebration of cultural differences.

As someone who is also informed by multiple cultures, it is illuminating for me to see how Monica so beautifully navigates her expression of identity.

As one of the most successful gallerists in Aotearoa, do you ever find it challenging to decide between art pieces you want to collect for yourself and those you feel are meant to be sold?

A compliment and a question. To collect or to sell… is a daily struggle.

What influences your personal style, both in your everyday life and in your professional work as a gallerist?

Bourgeois-bohème… fine art + a foraged rock collection, stilettos + something recycled.

Your favourite book

A dear friend gifted me a book about birds and I continue to revel in their magic. Birds fascinate me - a universal symbol, present in the stories and myths of every culture throughout history. They have long been viewed as messengers that embody a connection between the earthly and the divine.

Is there a podcast or book that you’re currently reading or particularly drawn to right now?

Rumi – the pocket edition lives in my handbag.

Interview by Zeenat Wilkinson
Portraits by Yana Kulishenko
Interior photography by Sam Hartnett