The Visionary Art of Elizabeth Kyle
A leap across ‘the ditch’ in 1991 catapulted New Zealander Elizabeth Kyle into an unexpected life as a highly regarded Visionary Surrealist / Mystical Symbolist artist and gallery owner in Australia.
Elizabeth’s journey began in Katikati where she showed early signs of artistic flair. Her forward-thinking parents allowed her to study at Tauranga Girls’ College under the tutelage of the legendary Claudia Jarman.
Elizabeth’s astounding talent has been recognised with many prizes and accolades, beginning in 1968 with 1st place in the New Zealand Chamber Music Program Cover Design Award. Underpinning her visionary paintings, Elizabeth’s impeccable design aesthetic shines through in her large-scale mural commissions: 1974’s Birth of a City and, in 1981, The Tauranga Centennial Mural – both for Tauranga City Council; also Mt Wellington for the Fisher and Paykel boardroom, Auckland.
A Diploma of Fine Arts (1972) from Elam Art School in Auckland, majoring in Painting and Industrial Design, was proof to Elizabeth of her father’s dictum, “If you can think of something – you can make it”; her ease with a variety of materials ranging from clay to fibreglass, from 3D constructions to oil and acrylic paintings and paper sculptures, bears witness to this versatility.
The advice of Garth Tapper, one of her painting lecturers, “Do NOT paint spirals!
You cannot do anything with spirals”, went unheeded as Elizabeth’s style cried out for the inclusion of koru.
When she met Master Carver Tuti Tukaokao, he was so impressed with the young artist’s 1973 five-metre-long triptych, Ngahere Wairua (Bush Spirit), owned by Tauranga City Council, that the respected carver personally instructed Elizabeth in the sacred meanings of wood carving and tukutuku, and blessed her with permission to use Māori symbols in her work.
In 1985 Elizabeth met, and later married, (the late) John Kyle; however, people in New Zealand may remember her by her maiden name of Elizabeth Grainger. John was an inspirational partner who shared her passion and love for all things mediaeval. Her two children, Nicholas and Benjamin, are featured in many of her paintings, most notably Dream Weaver, created for the cover of Dream Weaver, a short story collection by Australian writers. For this striking image, Elizabeth won Best Australian Cover Artist, Science Fiction Section, at the 1998 Ditmar Awards.
In 1975, Elizabeth represented New Zealand at the Queensland Art Festival Exhibition in Myer’s Gallery, Brisbane. She was often known as ‘The Mother of Visionary Art in Australia’ and her reputation continued to blossom for another 25 years. Elizabeth exhibited in a variety of venues, including her own privately-run galleries in Olinda, Victoria, in Surfer’s Paradise, and Elizabeth Kyle’s Castle Gallery in Tugun, Queensland. She combined her love of mediaeval times and regalia with appearances and exhibitions and her fascination with ‘times of yore’ can be seen in the many finely detailed images of high-born ladies and chivalrous knights of the realm which grace Elizabeth’s work.
Spirituality, epitomised by her signature work White Wind – Messenger of Love, underpins much of Elizabeth’s work and encompasses her empathy for the spiritual aspect of our lives that is often ignored by the mainstream.
Elizabeth has successfully exhibited in Paris and Singapore, where her paintings tap into universally shared values and experiences; her exquisite Sparrowfall was chosen as the poster for an Art UNESCO exhibition of memorable world-wide posters at the Grand Palais, III Salon Internationale de L’affiche.
Elizabeth’s strong spiritual awareness is also manifest in her affinity with and understanding of Māori lore and iconology. Her approach to the use of these motifs is underpinned by a deep gratitude and respect, enhanced by the teachings of kaumatua such as Tuti Tukaokao.
Elizabeth returned to Aotearoa in 2016 and began a search for a permanent gallery space in her beloved homeland. Elizabeth’s partner, Ron Harvey, explains the journey taken by them to turn this vision into a reality:
“Soon after Elizabeth and I met, we began searching for the ideal gallery space on the North Island where she could establish a permanent exhibition. Our quest took us to Tirau’s Castle Pamela which was unobtainable, so we continued our search.
“In 2023, we mounted an exhibition at the Waihi Museum and a lateral-thinking Waihi land agent suggested we take a look at Thames Old Court House, a heritage-listed building. As soon as we entered this lovely place we felt it was meant to be: a gracious building with a beautiful interior, a helpful and supportive local council, a prime position on Highway 25, and part of the Golden Triangle of Auckland-Hamilton-Tauranga.
“We have spent the past six months painting and re-organising the space, hanging Elizabeth’s paintings and 3D works to their best advantage, and getting to know our helpful local community.”
Elizabeth adds, “This town has been so welcoming, and the people are just gorgeous. We love Thames.
“My original paintings are not for sale; however, we have a selection of cards and prints of my works available for purchase at the gallery shop. We are open by invitation and you can come alone or book for a group. I am happy to give tours of the exhibition and to share the stories behind the paintings. Phone us on 027 955 0246 or find us on Facebook.
“As we are an unfunded gallery we do have a $5 koha for admission, which includes a complimentary greeting card featuring one of my major paintings. We very much look forward to welcoming you to the Elizabeth Kyle Gallery.”
References:
Kyle, E. (2018). The Visionary Art of Elizabeth Grainger Kyle. Privately published.
Kyle, Elizabeth. (2024). Conversations
Harvey, Ron. (2024). Conversations
What: The Visionary Art of Elizabeth Kyle
Where: Elizabeth Kyle Gallery, 726 Queen Street (Highway 25), Thames, Waikato
When: By appointment
For Bookings by Appointment: Ron Harvey Email: gallery726@mail.com Cell: 027 955 0246;
Elizabeth Kyle Cell: 022 350 3043
Facebook
Contact: Pixi Robertson Email: sumarapixi@hotmail.com Cell: 022 161 7673
Tapu Camp, 723 Thames Coast Rd, R.D.5 Tapu, Thames 3575
ELIZABETH GRAINGER KYLE
EXHIBITIONS:
Aotearoa-New Zealand
1975 First major solo exhibition, George Harrison Gallery, Tauranga;
1977 Guest Artist, Tauranga Regional Arts Exhibition;
Guest Artist at Waihi Summer Exhibition;
1978 2nd Solo, George Harrison Gallery;
Paintings exhibited at RoloArt 78, Hamilton;
1982 3rd Solo, George Harrison Gallery;
1983 Solo exhibition, George Harrison Gallery;
1984 Joint exhibition, Te Awamutu Festival Society Centennial Exhibition;
Solo exhibition, Whitecliffe Gallery, Parnell;
1985 Art Attack Group Exhibition, Bay Court Arts Centre, Tauranga;
Solo exhibition, 2542 Gallery, Hastings;
Exhibited at The Rising Tide of Change Conference, Auckland University;
1986 ‘Five Bay of Plenty Artists’, Northern Regional Arts Council Touring Exhibition;
1987 Dragon Egshibition, Artist’s Residence, Whakamarama;
The Unveiling Exhibition, Artist’s residence, Whakamarama;
Group exhibition, Turret Gallery, Wanganui;
1988-91 Group exhibition, Hayward Gallery, Matakana;
Maison Monique Salon Exhibition, Tauranga;
Solo exhibition, “A Medieval Experience”, Bay Court Arts Centre, Tauranga;
Guest Artist, Summer Exhibition, Waipa Kokiri Gallery, Te Awamutu;
Guest Artist, Summer Exhibition, Waihi Art Gallery;
Paintings exhibited at ‘Healthy Lifestyle Exhibition’ and Living Earth Hypothesis, Auckland University;
Mind and Body Exhibition, Auckland;
Tauranga Arts Council Exhibition QE II Centre;
Elizabeth Kyle’s Solo Touring Exhibition;
Canterbury Gallery, Christchurch;
Shed Two, Greymouth;
Picturesque Gallery, Akaroa;
Arcadia Salon Exhibition, Christchurch;
Motu Centre, Motueka;
Wholemeal Trading Company, Takaka;
Chez Eelco, Nelson;
Turnbull House, Wellington;
Tauranga Library Exhibition;
1992 Retrospective Farewell Exhibition, Tauranga;
2008 Tauranga Girls’ College 50th Anniversary Exhibition.
Australia
1975 Represented NZ artists & tutored at Qld Art Festival Exhibition, Myer Gallery, Brisbane;
1990 Mind, Body & Spirit Festival, World Congress Centre, Melbourne;
Body, Health & Harmony Festival, Brisbane;
Group Exhibition, ‘Inner Circle Summer’ Exhibition, Darlinghurst, Sydney;
1991 Mind, Body & Spirit Festival, World Congress Centre, Melbourne;
Mind, Body & Spirit Festival, Darling Harbour, Sydney;
Solo exhibition, Pod Theatre, Sydney;
1992 Solo exhibition, Castillia Galleries, Olinda, Victoria;
Melbourne City Council Art in City Windows, Port Phillip Bay, Victoria;
Opening of Elizabeth Kyle’s Gallery, Olinda, Victoria;
Solo exhibition, Alfred Nicholas Gardens, Sherbrooke, Victoria;
Mind, Body & Spirit Festival, World Congress Centre, Melbourne;
1993 Art Angels Group Exhibition, Castillia Galleries, Belgrave-Selby, Victoria;
1992-94 Permanent exhibition at Elizabeth Kyle’s Gallery, Olinda, Victoria;
1995-96 Private gallery, Monbulk, Victoria;
1996 Guest Artist & Speaker, Artifacts Exhibition, Yoretimes Emporium of History, Northcote, Melbourne Fringe Festival;
1996-97 Elizabeth Kyle’s Gallery, Kryal Castle, Ballarat, Victoria;
1998 Special Guest, Quirindi Medieval Festival, NSW, 3 Days and Knights;
Special Guest, Crossroads Celebrations, Yass, NSW;
Paintings displayed at Mind, Body & Spirit Festival, Sydney;
Exhibition, Jarvis Gallery, Canterbury, Victoria;
Mind, Body & Spirit Festival, Sydney;
1999 Exhibition, Castle Rumble, Waterford, Qld;
Elizabeth Kyles’s Gallery, Springbrook, Qld;
Art on a Plateau, Springbrook Art Soc, GCCC Chambers, Brisbane;
Visionary & Fantasy Art, Group exhibition, TYB Gallery, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane;
2000-01 Elizabeth Kyle’s Gallery, Raptis Plaza, Surfers Paradise, Qld;
2002-03 Private gallery, Surfers’ Paradise, Qld;
2004-05 Private gallery, Currumbin Valley, Qld;
2005-06 Elizabeth Kyle’s Castle Gallery, Tugun, Qld.
Paris
Sparrowfall (print), exhibition, Grand Palais, III Salon Internationale de Laffiche, Art UNESCO
Singapore
2000 Exhibition & guest tutor
AWARDS
Aotearoa-New Zealand
1968 Winner, Chamber Music Design Award NZ;
2nd Prize Mural Comp, Tauranga International Trade Fair (Tauranga Memorial Park);
1968-69 NZBC Student Art Contest Award;
1969 1st Prize 50th Anniversary Commemorative Art Contest, NZ Forest Service;
1970 National Bank Art Award (Mural Section);
1970 Rosemary Grice Memorial Award, Best 1st Year Student, Elam Art School;
1971 Home Interior Show, Cube Furniture Award, Auckland.
Australia
1997 1st Prize, Australian Ditmar Awards, Best Professional Australian Artist – Sci-Fi Category;
1999 1st Prize, Wallaby Public Choice Award, Hinterland Festival, Gold Coast, Qld;
2003 1st Prize, Pink Poodle Art Award, Gold Coast, Qld;
2004 1st Prize, Public Choice Award, Twin Towns Inaugural Art Awards;
2010 1st Prize, Public Choice Award, South Tweed Rotary Art Exhibition, Tweed Heads.
LARGE COMMISSIONS
New Zealand
1974 Birth of a City mural, commissioned by Tauranga City Council
1981 The Tauranga Centennial Mural; mural for Fisher and Paykel boardroom, Auckland; mural for Cooney, Lees and Morgan, Solicitors, Tauranga
Australia
1993 Twelve Queens of the Heavenly Kingdoms for WellBeing Magazine
1995-96 5 book covers for Penguin Books, Melb
1998 12 Astrological paintings for WellBeing Magazine; Moon Tide
2003-04 14 paintings for Hay House – Doreen Virtue International Publications, USA
~~o0o~~
Words by Pixi Robertson
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