Verve sat down with Rachel ahead of the show to talk creativity, contrast, and what she hopes people feel when they stand in front of her work.
As Rachel, she creates soft, layered resin works that radiate light and calm, as Rush it’s street-style graffiti, but whatever the alias – Rachel Rush is a name you will without a doubt – hear a lot more of. One of New Zealand’s top selling contemporary artists, Rachel is headlining The Auckland Art Show at the end of this month – a rare opportunity to view and purchase her work without gallery markups. With two distinct styles, a compelling backstory, and a fast-growing international following, she’s as fascinating as the art she makes.
How do you describe your work to someone seeing it for the first time?
My RUSH graffiti is my voice – I hate being told what to do, so the words and actual use of the spray cans reflect that. My Rachel Rush abstracts are all about colour and movement. I love unexpected twists of colour and the shadows and layers reflected within that.
What’s the story behind the dual identity — Rachel vs RUSH?
I am a self-taught artist and, after many years of painting all sorts of styles, found my voice by painting the art I wanted to see in my own home. I always say I have a split personality – my mature side of RR and my rebel side of RUSH.
Is there a piece you’re especially excited to show next week?
I always prefer larger works; they are more challenging and give more room for creativity – so I have a particular RUSH large Joker piece I’m looking forward to having up. A couple of the RR works are still in the studio and looking incredible, so I would be torn at this stage to pick one!
What does “success” in art look like to you?
Having a buyer absolutely connect with a piece. Often there are tears when someone is moved enough by a work I have created that really speaks to them – I honestly don’t think it can get better for me than that.
Is there anything that is often misunderstood about your work?
I really hate having my work compared to other artists who may use the same mediums I use. I never follow or even look at work produced by artists who could be described as competitors because I absolutely don’t want to be ‘the next anybody’ or influenced by anyone. It’s like the ‘only person who can spray paint is Banksy’ kind of mentality that I think is stupid.
Can you describe your studio?
We built our house and created the three studio spaces I need within it. That might sound flash, but for RUSH, the studio is also simply ‘outside’ – just need space and fresh air, and hopefully no wind! My studio space for RR has to be warm and uninterrupted so the resin stays clean.
You sell internationally — what keeps you rooted in New Zealand?
Family and home. I love travelling to work but have never wanted to live anywhere other than here. I also feel privileged to exhibit in NZ – we have a thriving art market that is quite hard for my international artist friends to get into, where I get the best of both worlds… which has expensive downsides of freight and shipping costs to contend with.
Any advice for someone buying their first piece of art?
Don’t overthink it – just buy what you LOVE. Buy something you are going to be mesmerised by every day, not just because it matches your couch.
What do you hope visitors take away from seeing your work in person?
The passion I feel for my work, the energy and humour, and my love for colour. People who buy art are happy people; it’s a fabulous industry for meeting and uplifting people – something that was originally unexpected but now makes it the reason for what I do.
If your art had a soundtrack, what would be on it?
Wow – that would be a total mish-mash! I love so many different styles of music, from old jazz that my Poppa used to play, to the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s when the best music ever was created, through to the odd drum and bass my kids introduce me to.
What’s one beauty or wellness ritual you swear by?
Exercise. I believe it is the ultimate key to health, wellness, and a strong immune system.
What’s your go-to fragrance or scent?
Eight & Bob, The Original.
Your ultimate self-care moment?
A green smoothie after my run or gym workout.
See Rachel Rush at The Auckland Art Show
Viaduct Events Centre, Auckland | 28–30 June 2025
