About Katie
Katie Tooth is a process-driven acrylic painter whose distinctive style, known as “technical abstractions,” explores the tension between precision and spontaneity. Inspired by the movement of water, as well as the structural forms of scaffolding and construction sites, her work is built through layering, experimentation, and construction to investigate pictorial space.
Rooted in the minimalist and conceptual tradition, Katie’s paintings use hypnotic shapes, undiluted colour, and carefully balanced compositions to draw viewers into ineffable spaces—places that feel both familiar and abstract, grounded and otherworldly. With a strong command of visual organisation and technical excellence, her work showcases the intellectual rigour and aesthetic value of non-representational abstraction.
An award-winning artist, Katie has exhibited extensively across Australia, from the St Kilda Centre for Contemporary Arts to Brisbane’s Lethbridge Gallery. Her paintings have been acquired by major institutions including HOTA, and she remains active in the creative community—continually sharing her knowledge and passion with fellow artists.
Artist CV
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts)
Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2021–2023
Majoring in Painting
2003: Diploma in Visual Arts CN034, Cooloola Institute of TAFE
2002: Course in Public Art 39024 QLD, Bremer Institute of TAFE
2001: Certificate II in Arts CNART040, Moreton Institute of TAFE
Exhibition History
2025
- Petite Pieces, Aspire Gallery
- Summer Creative Showcase, Studio on Brunswick
2024
- Neo-Impressionism, Side Gallery, Brisbane
- Aromas of Isolation, Metro Arts, Brisbane
- Paintings with Teeth, WAM, Brisbane
- 40 Under 40 Finalist, Butter Factory Art Centre, Cooroy
- Petite Pieces, Aspire Gallery
- Brisbane Grammar Art Show
- Lethbridge 20000 Smalls Exhibition, Online Finalist
- Foot Square Exhibition, Aspire Gallery
- More Eclectic, Blowe Art Space
2023
- QUT Graduate Exhibition, Kelvin Grove
- Emerging Painters Showcase, Jugglers Art Space
- Big Bold Brush, Vacant Assembly, Brisbane
- Residency at Portside Artspace
- Petite Pieces, Aspire Gallery
- Foot Square Exhibition, Aspire Gallery
- Group Show, Kaizen Gallery
- Lethbridge 20000, Gallery Finalist
- Life painting, Felons Barrel Hall
- Solstice, Aspire Gallery
Residencies
- 2023: House Conspiracy Artist Residency, Brisbane
- 2023: Residency at Portside Artspace
Awards
- 2023: Highly Commended, QUT Graduate Exhibition
- 2023: Dean's List for Academic Excellence, QUT
- 2007: Pamela Rainger Travel Stipend, ADFAS Gold Coast Inc
- 2005: Highly Commended, Border Art Prize
- 2004: Youth Art Prize, Gold Coast City Art & Design Award
- 2002: Encouragement Award, Decent Exposure, Coolabah TAFE
- 2001: Minister's Award for Excellence in Art, QAG
Publications & Press
2024
- Art Guide Australia – "The Colour of Chaos: Katie Tooth's Brush with the Absurd"
- Brisbane Times – “Emerging Artist Katie Tooth Captures a Generation’s Anxiety”
2023
- QUT Visual Arts Graduate Catalogue – Artist Profile
Skills & Techniques
- Acrylic and oil painting
- Large-scale works and mural design
- Experimental mixed media
- Curation and exhibition installation
- Public speaking and arts education