The way we view and buy art is shifting; Instagram and other social media platforms have become a fun and unique way to engage with and sell contemporary art. To kick off our blog series, Women in Art we have selected 6 female artists from New Zealand that are making waves in the art world through social media.
Kirsty Black aims to create joyful works that engage the viewer, leading them on a journey of individual interpretation. Gestural sweeps of colour and vigorous brush work provides the framework for Kirsty's vibrant and abstract paintings. Kirsty is part of the Railway St. group, and has an upcoming solo show with the gallery in September.
Read an interview with Kirsty.
Kate Mitchell
Kate Mitchell is a multidisciplinary glass artist, working with both cast and blown class. Kate is drawn to the excitement, immediacy and challenging nature of glass blowing. Her works are currently on display at Railway St. Studios.
Grace Wright
As a female painter Grace Wright is interested in the concept of physical labour and the body in painting, creating works that have bold gestures and emphasise strength in mark making. Her expressive and abstract works allude to something that isn’t tangible; a fleeting moment or a feeling that connects to the pulsating rhythms of nature, cycles and seasons.
Claire Tāne
Claire is an emerging ceramic artist based in Te Awamutu. Having no formal training, her work is inspired by established artists she follows on Instagram and fellow potters from the Waikato community. She makes mostly hand built and wheel thrown functional ware, but has recently made a foray into sculptural works that feature expressive and playful decoration.
Gretl Barzotto was raised in New Zealand and spent many years around mountains and lakes in the North and South Islands. Connection to nature in vast open landscapes is the source of inspiration for her work. She responds intuitively to her environment with an experimental approach that allows her to express personal freedom; encouraging new ways of seeing the landscape and making abstract interpretations. Her Coste series is on view at Railway St. and she is currently preparing for a solo show with the gallery in October.
Grace Bader
Bader, who recently had a solo show; Three at Allpress Gallery, builds each frame herself and primes the work with a heavy textural background before painting. Her work moves between figurative and still life and is an expression of moments of peace and connection in everyday life.
