Hi, I’m Katie
I’m a painter based in Alexandra, Central Otago, New Zealand.
I make work that sits at the intersection of my memory, my surroundings, and my heritage.
Much of my inspiration comes from the Otago region—its landscapes, its histories, its ghosts (real and imagined). My ancestry, tied to the Otago gold rush through both Chinese and Scottish roots, lies beneath many of my paintings. I often work with found materials or weathered textures, letting the past peek through.
At the same time, my work likes to surprise (even me!). My interiors might feature a quiet cottage or a somewhat quirky animal. My landscapes are about colour and texture; about the geology and the flora. I follow my instincts in my work - gut feelings, and quirky thoughts, though I probably shouldn’t!
For me, painting is a way to connect—with my true self firstly, and then with place, with memory, with emotion and with people.
Thanks for being here. This is my small corner of the world, but I’m slowly building it with care, and I’m glad you found it.
You can find me on Instagram: @katie_robinson_art, on Facebook: KatieRobinsonArtist and my works in person at the Rachel Hirabayashi Gallery and Emporium in the Heritage Precinct, Cromwell, and at Depot Artspace, Devonport Auckland.
I am a committee member of the Central Otago Art Society.
Selected Exhibitions, Awards and Press
Solo Exhibitions
“Re:Framed: Re:Homed” - 11 - 28 February 2026 - Railway Street Gallery + Studios” - Newmarket, Auckland
“The Weight of Things” - 24 October - 16 November 2025 - The Depot, 3 Victoria Road, Devonport
“More Wine Anyone?” - July - August 2025- Heaphy Gallery, Central Stories, Alexandra
“First Brush with the Elements” - February–April 2023 - Beautiful Things Gallery, Auckland
Selected Exhibitions and Awards
on now - “The Collectors” - 27 March - 27 May 2026 - Katie Robinson and Jen Olson - at the Rachel Hirabayashi Gallery and Emporium, Cromwell Heritage Precinct
“A Muster of Creatives” - 11- 30 October 2025 - Central Stories, Alexandra
2025 Alexandra Blossom Festival Exhibition - 25 September - 4 October, Central Stories, Alexandra
2025 Bayleys Arrowtown Autumn Art Exhibition, 26 April - May 2025, Finalist
“The Ghost between Us” - collaborative exhibition with Joel Potter, photographer -Heaphy Gallery, Central Stories Alexandra - 1 - 28 Feb 2025
Craigs Aspiring Art Prize, January 2025, Finalist and MERIT Award
“ReDirected” - Depot Artspace, Devonport, 1-5 December 2024
MAGS Art Show August 2024
Auckland Art Show July 2024,
“This Painted Land” exhibition - The Henderson Gallery, Central Stories, Alexandra May- June 2024
LakeHouse Arts Members Merit Awards May 2024 -Notable Artist Award
“Chicks and Their Machines” contemporary car boot installation - April 2024
Arrowtown Lakes District Museum: a small but perfectly formed exhibition November 2023 - February 2024
Craigs Aspiring Art Prize, January 2024, Finalist
Edinburgh Premier Art Awards, 2023, Finalist
Hope and Sons Painting Awards, April 2024, Finalist
In the Press
Otago Daily Times, February 2025 - Art Seen
The Central App, February 2025 - Ophir cottage hospital ghosts inspire local painter
The Devonport Flagstaff, November 2024 - Arts event concept delivers creative smorgasbord
The Central App, May 2024 - Large scale art exhibition open in Alexandra
The Devonport Flagstaff, March 2023 - Local artist takes late friend’s advice to heart
The New Zealand Herald, March 2023 - The Auckland Art Café fostering new talent
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