Rebecca Odessa (b. Tokoroa, New Zealand) is a contemporary painter based on the Isle of Man. She received her MA Fine Art at Central Saint Martins (2024) and BA in Religious Studies at the University of Otago (2000). Working primarily with acrylic paint, she applies thin layers with a matte finish to create her distinctive works. She is best known for her figurative language, depicting figures encased in intricate, verdant waterscapes.

Her work explores the subject of water—its scientific properties, ancient rites, and mythological representations—while engaging with contemporary ecological and socio-political discourse. Characterized by a meticulous layering technique and a rich interplay of organic forms, her paintings evoke a sense of immersion and contemplation. Notable projects include series that examine humanity’s evolving relationship with water, reflecting on both its material and symbolic significance.

Rebecca Odessa has exhibited at Mall Galleries (London), Secret Salon (Hackney, London), One West Grand (Chicago, USA), The Chain Store, Trinity Buoy Wharf (London), and Manx Museum (Douglas, Isle of Man). Her work is held in the University Archives and Special Collections Centre (University of the Arts London) and Girton College Archive and Special Collections (Girton College, Cambridge). She has participated in the IOAEA Residency (2024), Royal College of Art Summer School (2021, 2022), New York School of Visual Art Residency Programme (2022). She received the Anthony J Lester Art Critics Award (2025), and was shortlisted for the CASS Graduate Art Prize (2024)