Kathleen Rhee

Kathleen is an accomplished Australian abstract artist based on the Gold Coast, where she has developed her distinctive style. She creates large-scale abstract paintings that echo the serene and diverse landscapes of Australia. Kathleen studied at the Brisbane Institute of Art, the ANU Art School in Canberra, and the Parsons School of Design in New York City. She has exhibited internationally in New York and Berlin, attended residencies in France and New Mexico, and her works are in private and public collections across 15 countries. She is a prize finalist and gained recognition when her art was featured on the national television home renovation series 'The Block' in 2019 and 2020. Kathleen’s artwork embodies the essence of nature, bringing the outdoors indoors. Her use of colors—soft pinks, vibrant blues, and tranquil turquoise greens—infuses spaces with peace and harmony. With a deep connection to nature, Kathleen describes her artistic practice as a vital part of daily life, compelling her to paint each day and express her impressions, feelings, and experiences. Her unique style captivates viewers with its atmospheric quality, achieved through attention to color dynamics, depth, and rich detail. Raised in the lush coastal hinterland between the Gold Coast and Brisbane, Kathleen’s childhood was filled with adventures in nature. The time she spent exploring beaches, rainforests, and gazing into the expansive sky shaped her artistic vision. The vibrant colors and calming energy of her natural surroundings serve as continuous inspiration for her work. Kathleen employs a variety of techniques, including color staining, sketching, splattering, layering, and traditional brushwork, allowing her to create intricate and emotive artworks. She enjoys working on diverse surfaces, such as canvas and paper, using acrylics to achieve her signature style, resulting in pieces that resonate deeply with their viewers.