Christiane Shortal is one of the creatives currently in residence at the Toi Auaha studios. We caught up with her to find out what she’s working on in 2026.
How would you describe what you do?
Hi! I am a multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Ōtautahi. Predominantly I would describe myself as a painter, crafting detailed visual narratives that explore themes of spirituality, class and folklore. I also work with a lot of musicians creating album art and animated visualisers!
What was your most recent project?
Recently I finished an animated visualiser for one of my favourite NZ musicians Fazed on a Pony. Prior to this I was making a lot of janky ironic 3D work, but I think through doing a lot of low stakes projects, I’ve accidentally made something fairly polished this time. So I’m excited for people to see it!
What will you be doing in your Toi Auaha Studio?
This year I will be working on some larger scale paintings that explore NZ migration stories; delving into class structures, belonging and my own Irish lineage.
What project have you worked on that you’re most proud of?
Of all my previous projects, the album art I did for Tiny Ruins ‘Ceremony’ is something I am still proud of. I think it was a great collaboration where we successfully encapsulated the feeling of the album, as well as pushing further into my visual style. I still see this as a blueprint for what I am creating today.
What is essential for creatives to have in their lives?
I think having a good routine is super important. It’s not very romantic but showing up and treating art as a 9-5 job can help create an environment where you internalise less and get on with making things (and accepting things when they aren’t always successful).
What inspires you about Ōtautahi?
Ōtautahi is such an underdog and I love that. We always feel like we have so much to prove and it pushes us to make amazing work. There is such a high calibre of talent here, I think we don’t quite realise that. I love the nature here and feel so comforted whenever I see the Port Hills. Going for trail walks can be so good to clear out the mental cobwebs and be inspired to make art.
What piece of advice about your creative work has served you well?
Not saving any ideas for the future! New ideas will always come as we evolve and our interests change. I think this also allows us to accept our previous work as interesting time capsules of previous selves.
What’s the biggest misconception about your creative work?
People often think my work is inspired by tarot art but my inspiration often comes from my love of Eastern miniatures, Japanese woodcuts and Greek iconography. There is definitely something to that though! Maybe one day I’ll do a tarot deck!
What Christchurch artists do you most admire?
I love Julia Holden and how collaboration is an essential part of her work, letting the integration of other people morph and change the visual outcome.
I’m also a fan of the mysterious and emotional worlds of Jason Greig. I also have a background in printmaking so the marrying of painting and printmaking together inspires me.
What artwork/piece of music/performance has taken your breath away?
Recently I am really enjoying the films of Czech animator Jiří Trnka. He mainly worked with hand-made puppets that he crafted out of fabrics and wood. The small worlds he creates out of natural materials, combined with beautiful compositions and lighting is enchanting.
What do you wish you’d have known about creative work when you were younger?
I think we are subconsciously taught when we are young that being an artist is a solo endeavour. When we look at our creative idols they are often portrayed as a solo genius without communities behind them, but they all had them! I am so grateful to all the encouragement and inspiration of the friends and creative communities behind me. We all remind each other of the importance of art and why we do it. It’s the wellspring of creativity!
What’s your favourite hidden secret in Ōtautahi
Definitely Welcome Cafe, great Chinese vegan food, great kitschy vibes.