Heya lovelies, rachel here :)
I’m a contemporary abstract artist based in Mangonui, New Zealand. I’m inspired by movement, form, and nature. Being a highly intuitive painter, i'm constantly observing how energy runs and dances through me, and everything around me. I'm in awe of nature, both within myself and in the patterns I see reflected in the natural world.
Building layers of acrylic paint, ink and neon pigment, I create surfaces filled with expression, wild marks and soft bleeding edges. I build many layers across the canvas, creating richly layered paintings with no blank spaces, where new forms and details continue to emerge over time.
I hope my work offers a sense of immersion, uplifting you through generous streaks of colour, texture and expressive mark-making. I love hearing stories from collectors living with my work, sharing how there's always something new to discover within it. That sense of generosity is something I endeavour to pass on through my work.
Exhibitions
Koast Kerikeri Art Trail - 'rhythms of the north' October 2025 (group show)
The Artisan Gallery - 'So sick of dreaming' January 2025 (solo show)
The Artisan Gallery - 'Rain or shine' December 2024 (solo show)
Little Black Gallery/Koast - 'Feel the beat' October 2024 (group show)
Reyburn House- 'Permission to Radiate' July 2024 (solo show)
Little Black Gallery - 'Nourish the Soul' November 2023 (group show)
Koast Kerikeri Art Trail - October 2023. (group show)
Miharo Gallery - 'Dreamland' January 2021 (solo show)
Plain Jane Gallery - 'Dreaming' September 2020 (solo show)
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Education
Diploma in Digital Photography - Raffles College of Design and Commerce - Auckland 2010
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Features
Aotearoa Artist https://thenzartist.co.nz/article/rachel-barber/?srsltid=AfmBOopmw3o00MpMKN88kKgj-CgBeQWRBYfok7F6xk6GzTJFiWeMkZUo