Hollie O’Neill Artist
Hollie O’Neill is an Auckland-based artist known for her work in abstract minimalism and surrealism.
Her practice explores themes of luminosity, colour, and emotional resonance across two distinct bodies of work.
Driven to explore what lies beneath the surface of reality—seeking meaning in the unseen and the intangible—O’Neill’s abstract minimalist works, including series such as Solar Verticals, Solar Seduction, and Colour Illuminations, feature vibrant colour palettes applied to aluminium and mirrored substrates. Using pigments mixed with epoxy polymer, she creates luminous, layered compositions that capture the ephemeral qualities of light and space. In 2008, she became one of the first New Zealand artists to use resin (epoxy polymer) as a fine art medium, pioneering a new material approach that has since influenced a generation of contemporary artists.
In contrast, her surrealist style is showcased in her NZ Animal Collection, where she paints native animals that feel both familiar and nostalgic, revealing their spiritual presence and symbolic power. These works invite reflection on the deeper connections between the natural and the unseen, offering a contemplative and emotionally resonant view of New Zealand’s wildlife.
A full-time artist since 2002, Hollie holds formal qualifications in fine art, design, and teaching. Her background in education has shaped her artistic journey, including roles in teaching and directing art programs. Today, she paints full-time from her East Auckland studio.
Hollie’s work has received national recognition as a finalist in the NZ Painting and Printmaking Award, the Parkin Drawing Prize, and the Academy Prize for Visual Art. She was also awarded the ‘Eden Park Best in Colour Award’ at Art in the Park, and her works are held in respected collections including The Arts House Trust Collection.
