Threads of colour

“I am continually drawn to how colours carry rhythm, which shift in tone and energy depending on their pairings. While my signature Pop Art meets Art Deco style often draws from architecture, Bauhaus principles and retro graphic design, my travels remain one of the strongest sources of inspiration.

This work, Threads of Colour (2025), brings together two recent journeys: the warmth and vibrancy of Mexico and the compositional sensibilities of Japan. The palette draws on the deep ochres and earthy tones I encountered abroad, with particular inspiration from the tapestry and craft traditions of Chiapas where bold, celebratory colour combinations convey a sense of joy and vitality. From Japan, I drew an appreciation for clean lines, subtle elegance and carefully considered structure. These influences combine to create a visual language that is at once vibrant and composed, energetic yet graceful.

Colours tell a story – not only of place and tradition but also of feeling and atmosphere. A palette can hold the geometry of a city’s skyline, the serenity of a garden or the vibrancy of a festival. Playful colour combinations awaken curiosity. Through these selected Resene tones, I invite the viewer to enter a space that is playful, contemplative, and celebratory, where each hue contributes to a visual mandala, an inviting portal of abstract forms.

I see colour and music in the same way. A good colour combination has the same rhythm and balance as a melodic song, with high, middle and low notes working together in harmony. Just as a melody moves through tension and release, colour can rise and fall, creating energy, pause and resolution. When tones are layered thoughtfully, they resonate like chords, guiding the viewer’s eye and evoking emotion. These Resene favourites hit different parts of the register: Resene Pearl Lusta, the high note which softly sings, especially when light hits it; rich and deep Resene Maestro; Resene Cinnamon, warm like a bass; and Resene Hot Toddy, a middle note that helps to balance out the other tones.”

*Threads of Colour (2025) by Melinda Butt was created especially for this anniversary issue of BlackWhite magazine and is painted with Resene Hot Toddy, Resene Mellow Yellow, Resene Sea Green, Resene Cinnamon, Resene Pearl Lusta and Resene Blackout.

› See more of Melinda’s artwork and murals

Colours mentioned in this article

BlackWhite magazine

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