About
Tahlia King (Kai Tahu, Ngāti Maniapoto) is a Christchurch-based mixed media abstract artist. King received a Master’s degree in Creative Practice, awarded with Distinction in 2024, and a Bachelor of Design Applied Visual Art (2022) from Ara Institute of Canterbury.
Exhibiting in Aotearoa-New Zealand since 2017, King’s work is held in the Wrightmann collection and the Ara Institute of Canterbury’s collection. She received the Will Cumming Award in 2022 and the Academic Achievement and Community Commitment Award in 2020.
King’s art explores the shared emotional experiences of contemporary life, reflecting on the social and political issues that shape our lived experience through abstract forms, colour, and line. King’s use of wool and perspex transforms these themes into tactile, sensory artworks that create a profound emotional connection with her audience. Her recent works explore the emotional impact of the Cost of Living Crisis in Christchurch, inviting viewers to reflect on their personal experiences within a broader, contemporary context.
King’s process is methodical, starting with observation and documentation through photography and drawing, revealing patterns that inform her final pieces. Her meticulous construction method transforms photographs into complex stitch patterns, which are then drilled into perspex and hand-stitched, resulting in deeply reflective and engaging artworks.
Exhibition History
Night to Morning: Cycles of the Cost of Living Crisis - Art Hole Gallery
February 27 - March 2, 2024, Christchurch NZ. Final Masters exhibition
PITCH 2022 - Ara Institute of Canterbury
November 2022, Christchurch NZ. Bachelor’s degree final year show
Retooled Red Cross Charity Event - Tūranga Library
September 4, 2020, Christchurch NZ. Student work made using donated goods to raise funds for the Red Cross
Artist’s Choice City Art Depot
May 9- 23, 2020, Christchurch NZ. Virtual exhibition during Covid19 lockdown
Trash to Treasure - Eastside Gallery
November 13 - 29, 2019 Christchurch NZ. Group show highlighting recycled materials
Beautiful Aotearoa - Pumanawa Gallery
November 4 - 24, 2019, Christchurch NZ. Group show
I N S O M N I A - Art Hole Gallery
September 30 - October 5, 2019, Christchurch NZ
Solo show, included in The Christchurch Press's Top 10 must-see exhibitions for
October 2019, and the Christchurch Art Seen walking tour.
Showcase - City Art Depot
July 8 - 20, 2019, Christchurch NZ. Group show
Changing Threads - Refinery Art Space
March 22 - April 24, 2019 , Nelson NZ. Contemporary Fibre Arts Award Finalist
SHIFT - Eastside Gallery
March 11 - 23, 2019, Christchurch NZ. Solo show
Showcase - City Art Depot
October 2 - 13, 2018, Christchurch NZ. Group show
Te Whare Maire O Nga Punawerewere - Eastside Gallery
June 18 - July 6, 2018, Christchurch NZ. Māori Group show
First Thursdays - Dilana Rugs
December 7, 2017, Christchurch NZ
Tahlia King | Visual Artist
Contact
Email:
Social media:
Education
Ara Institute
of Canterbury
Master of Creative Practice
Awarded with Distinction, 2024
Bachelor of Design Applied Visual Art 2022
Will Cumming Award, 2022
Ka Whai Hua Award, 2022
Academic Achievement and
Community Commitment Award, 2020
