A bold fusion: Tim Christie’s Yogallery transformed
08 Jan 2025
Nestled in the heart of Te Aro, Wellington, Yogallery has undergone a stunning transformation, thanks to artist Tim Christie. This ambitious refurbishment not only brought the 100-year-old building up to seismic safety standards but also turned it into a unique hybrid space that combines yoga, Pilates, massage therapy and art.
Tim, known for his multidisciplinary practice, incorporates Resene paints intohis artwork, and now also into the gallery’s design, creating a seamless dialogue between his creations and their surroundings. A striking example is his piece Professor Congo, a commanding gorilla figure, displayed against a wall painted in Resene Teal Blue. This deep aqua shade enhances the artwork’s bright blue highlights, making it a focal point in the studio.
Another standout piece features Christie’s daughter, Millie, emerging from interwoven mandalas, designed to evoke mindfulness and serenity. The wall behind this piece is painted in Resene Double Cod Grey, a near-black shade that makes the vibrant yellow tones of the artwork pop.
Sitting behind a feature wall painted in Resene Teal Blue, Tim’s Professor Congo comes forth from the wall capturing the viewer’s eye.
Behind Tim’s Millie artwork, Resene Double Cod Grey was used to make the yellow tones pop.
“Both of these large works are digital reproductions,” says Tim.“The walls behind them were painted in carefully selected Resene colours to complement the artworks and maximise their visual impact.”
A new feature to the gallery is the dark room, designed to immerse visitors in Tim’s lightworks. Painted entirely in Resene Double Cod Grey, the nearly black space isolates the light-based pieces.
“The dark room is a recent addition as part of our studio upgrade, designed to offer an immersive environment for viewing my lightworks,” Tim says. “By isolating these pieces from ambient light, their luminous qualities are magnified, appearing to float in a void.
“In keeping with Yogallery's hybrid experience, the dark room doubles as a massage therapy space. We have our own resident massage therapist who provides therapeutic and Thai massage out of Wellington's most unique massage room.”
The dark room at Yogallery, painted in Resene Double Cod Grey and featuring some of Tim’s amazing lightworks.
Yogallery is a multipurpose, must-visit space. Tim’s unique artwork lines the walls painted in a mix of colours like Resene Double Cod Grey and Resene Teal Blue to enhance his works and the viewer’s experience.
Visitors to Yogallery are often struck by its innovative hybrid concept. By day, it serves as a serene yoga studio; by night, the lightworks bathe the space in ethereal hues, offering a tranquil setting for art enthusiasts. Tim describes the interplay between art, movement and wellness as “remarkably symbiotic,” creating a space that feels both restorative and inspiring.
While Yogallery thrives in Wellington, Tim’s work also has a global presence exhibiting widely overseas in Europe, Asia, Australia and the States, and current exhibitions in LA and Singapore. His overseas pieces often explore optical illusions, merging geometric precision with the tactile quality of traditional painting.
Looking ahead, Tim plans to launch a new feature on his website, enabling buyers to customise his designs with a unique highlight colour, ensuring each piece is one of a kind. This innovative approach promises to appeal to interior designers and homeowners seeking to personalise their spaces.
To experience Tim Christie’s art and the unique ambiance of Yogallery, visit 97 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington, or explore his work online at www.timchristie.nz. Whether you’re an art lover, yogi or someone seeking wellness, Yogallery offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Published: 08 Jan 2025