Based in Auckland, Deb Adie works primarily in acrylic on canvas, recently expanding her practice to include the velvety depth and richness of oil paint.

Her experience of more than three decades as a makeup artist has greatly influenced the subjects and visual language of her paintings. Colour, detail and transformation come together through expressive depictions of the female form, intricate adornments, decorative embellishments and richly textured surfaces.

Her heritage as a second-generation Chinese New Zealander remains a constant source of inspiration. Cultural references are woven through the work, creating a connection between personal identity, inherited traditions and contemporary experience.

There is often a strong nod to Chinoiserie—the enduring European decorative tradition inspired by the art and aesthetics of East Asia. Within her paintings, these influences are reinterpreted through a personal lens, bringing Eastern and Western visual languages together.

Pattern, ornament and texture are more than decorative details. They help shape the character and atmosphere of each work, inviting the viewer to look closely and discover the smaller elements held within the composition.

Although acrylic remains a trusted and familiar medium, Deb’s recent exploration of oils has introduced a new richness to her practice. The depth and softness of oil paint offer further possibilities for building luminous colour, tactile surfaces and expressive detail.

Her work continues to evolve as each painting adds another layer to her creative journey—a celebration of femininity, heritage and the enduring power of beauty and adornment.

Because what we choose to reveal on the surface can also carry the deeper stories of who we are.