Auckland exhibition ‘Psychedelic Sways and Street Punk Ways’ stuns in Resene colours

06 Jul 2022

If you happened to walk past Te Ahu Art Collective in Ponsonby last month, you may have seen Ellie Skeet perched in the window painting. Her vibrant work is part of a collaborative exhibition, ‘Psychedelic Sways and Street Punk Ways’, displayed at the collective space until mid-July. The exhibition is a collaboration between Ellie and fellow artists Janik, Reuben and Steve Levien.

Featured in this funky piece is Resene Pink Ribbon, Resene Tulip Tree, Resene Butterfly, Resene Sassy, Resene Carnival and Resene Wellywood.

“The exhibition is a celebration of our achievements and artworks created over the past five years, our first exhibition in the city and to bring support for Te Ahu Art Collective,” says Ellie.

With a little help from Resene paints, Ellie was able to create a piece called ‘Off with Their Heads’. “Resene provided me with high quality paints and materials like paintbrushes for me to create the work. It’s David Bowie as the Queen of Hearts.

Ellie’s piece in progress sponsored by Resene. Resene Hyperactive, Resene Chetwode Blue, Resene Black, Resene Bird Flower, Resene Big Bang, Resene Silver Aluminium and Resene Surfs Up all feature in the painting.

“The piece has been painted live in the gallery throughout the duration of the exhibition. The blurred lines between spectator and participant are what inspires me to paint live.”

Ellie’s Resene set up in Te Ahu Art Collective’swindow. 

Ellie says she chose her colour palette first by looking at the Resene colour charts to see which stuck out for her. “I came up with a concept after, it’s a lot of fun to push my creativity by working in this order! It has been really cool to talk to people in the gallery as they pop through to watch me paint. One guy sat with me for two hours! Another artist sent me a message saying they love the colour Resene Scrumptious.”

Featured in the piece is Resene Hyperactive, Resene Chetwode Blue, Resene Black, Resene Bird Flower, Resene Big Bang, Resene Silver Aluminium and Resene Surfs Up.

Ellie chose her Resene colours before planning her painting, and let the hues inspire her work.

Ellie developed her signature psychedelic/illustrative style initially using chalk, creating large murals and signage at hospitality venues. She progressed to become a graphic illustrator, then mural artist. Her mission is to combine her love of music and art.

Find Ellie and more info on the exhibition: @ellieskeet

Published: 06 Jul 2022