Bio

Rachael Dewhirst is a New Zealand artist whose paintings move between abstraction and naturalistic depictions of the world around her. Her work explores colour, texture and light, expressing a sense of optimism and a pleasure in the act of painting.

Born in Warkworth and raised in rural Mid Canterbury, Rachael graduated from Ilam School of Fine Arts with first class honours. She has exhibited throughout Aotearoa, including at PG Gallery 192, Bowen Galleries, Bath Street Gallery and Warwick Henderson Gallery.

Now living with her family on the Tāwharanui Peninsula, Rachael draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape, her garden and everyday life. From expressive abstract works to paintings of flowers, landscapes and domestic spaces, her practice reflects an ongoing curiosity about both her subjects and the possibilities of paint.

Selected Exhibition History

Come in Rain or Shine, Warwick Henderson Gallery, 4th - 22nd June 2019
Land of the Roaring Forties, Chambers Gallery Christchurch, 10th-27th July 2018
Sense of Wonder, Warwick Henderson Gallery Auckland, 18th April – 5th May 2018
Part of Summer group show Warwick Henderson Gallery Auckland, 5th December 2017-3rd February 2018
La petite entrées series, Invercargill City Gallery, 4-29th October 2016
Follow the sun series, Bowen Galleries Window, August 2016
Bon appétit, Bowen Galleries Wellington, 1-21st February 2016
​Aveyron à la mer, Chambers 241 Gallery Christchurch, 10th-31st March 2015
Valetta Series, Bowen Galleries Wellington, 16th June- 5th July 2014
Standing Back, new works, Rachael Dewhirst and Simon Ogden at Bath Street Gallery Parnell Auckland, 6th May - 31st May 2014
Summer Group show at Bath Street Gallery Auckland, 12th Feb- 2nd March 2013
Group showing in Hazeldean at Murray & Co Christchurch - March 2013.
Group show Chambers 241 Gallery Christchurch, 21st January 2013
Resene Art in the streets Scape Christchurch mural in Cashel Street ‘Kaleidoscopic Nights’ 2012
Peachy Keen Jelly Bean – Paper Graphica Gallery Christchurch, 1 Oct - 15 Oct 2012

Awards and scholarships:

2016
Parkin Prize Finalist

2014
Royal Academy of Arts London- shortlisted for an interview
Recipient of Ethel Susan Jones Travel Scholarship

2013
Recipient of the Harry van der Lecq Scholarship for Painting
College of Arts Honours Scholarship
Recipient of a Bickertion-Widdowson Trust Memorial Scholarship

2012
Seager Prize in Fine Arts 
Awarded Scholarship as one of Canterbury University's twenty art scholars
Recipient of a Bickerton-Widdowson Trust Memorial Scholarship. 

2011
Awarded a Bickerton-Widdowson Trust Memorial Scholarship
Zonta Youth Art Awards 3rd place

Selection of paintings from various Exhibitions