Artist Collection

About the Project

This is our first ever Artist Collection here at Zeenya HQ. We are so proud to have welcomed three exceptional artists on board for this project.

Two years ago, we connected with Otis Frizzell and Diya Dasgupta in the hopes of bringing an Artist Collection to life one day. This year we decided to go for it.

Let's be honest, 2020 saw a lot of change in the world, and we wanted to put our money where our mouths are to do more to support indigenous artists of New Zealand. We put the call out in May for talented Māori artists to submit either a completed design or their portfolio of work to be considered for this project. We were blown away by the talent and support of those that submitted to be part of this. A massive thank you to everyone who got involved.

Our judging panel had a huge job ahead of them, and narrowed it down to 5 finalists and one overall winner. Seriously, you'll want to check out these amazing finalists below.

The Collection is now complete with Steve Maddock (our overall winner) being chosen to be part of this project.

ZEENYA vs OPTO - Otis Frizzell

CARNIVAL - Diya Dasgupta

WHAKAPAPA - Steve Maddock

Meet the Artists

We are fortunate to have three incredible artists who said yes to being part of our first ever Artist Collection. We can't wait to show you their incredible designs on our NZ made leggings and crop.

Otis Frizzell

With a style that mashes up tattoo, graffiti art, comic books and custom cars, Otis is know for his pop art spin. Playful, bold and compelling, he's looking to create art that sparks reaction.

2020 had his work recognised with the Aroha poster of Jacinda Arden that he created with friend and artist Mike Weston. It caused electoral controversy at a time where they were just trying to say thanks to NZ's Prime Minister for her leadership during the pandemic.

Otis has created a Zeenya print sprayed with colour and life, with street art and graffiti vibes.

Diya Dasgupta

Nurtured by her father to connect with art, Diya draws her inspiration from travel, nature, spirituality and a total love of colour. Her natural pull toward shapes, patterns and colours makes her our kind of gal.

Originally from India, Diya now lives in Sydney where she runs her creative business Salsa Verde Design.

This nature inspired piece brings a little bit of springtime deliciousness to the print she's created for the Artist Collection.

Steve Maddock - Ngāti Porou

Wellington Tattoo Artist, Steve is the incredible talent behind this beautiful piece of work.

Drawn to tattoo artistry in his youth, and setting up shop in Wellington in 1994, Steve recognises the cultural significance of his chosen artform. More recently moving into a digital space, he has created this piece, titled Whakapapa. It acknowledges the connection of Māori Artists in an online world.

You can read more about Steve and his story here