Kia ora (greetings in Maori) everyone, this is Coral Noel. Thanks for visiting!
Coral Noel Yang, an Auckland-based contemporary painter, skillfully merges Soak-Stain techniques with Asian water-ink traditions to create vibrant abstract and landscape art using acrylics. Drawing inspiration from Aotearoa, her global filmmaking experience, and her Chinese-Japanese heritage, Coral's works are characterized by luminous hues, expressive marks, and whimsical brushstrokes that capture the essence of nature and the depth of human emotions. Enthralled by the unpredictable beauty of fluidity, she seamlessly blends intuitive material play with meticulous design. Layers enriched with watermarks and organic shapes—often formed by manipulating paint against gravity—are traversed by purposeful lines that signify the passage of an emotional pilgrimage. Her paintings evoke a profound sense of wonder and belonging, resonating both locally and internationally.
Since 2021, Coral has held several successful solo exhibitions in Auckland, including Unfurling (2023) and Tokimeku(2024). She was invited to showcase her work at The Auckland Art Show (2024) and Art in the Park (2024). Coral received the John Wells Award at the Emerging Artist Awards hosted by Upstairs Gallery in 2023, was a finalist for the Craigs Aspiring Art Prize, and was honored with the Inspirational Aotearoa Award at the 37th Trusts Awards in 2024.
You can read on to learn more about my art journey —
Born into a family in Taiwan that love arts and literature, I was fortunate to be nurtured and disciplined in Chinese calligraphy, water-ink art, and Classics from both the East and the West since childhood. With a passion for storytelling and visual arts I chose my professional pathway as a filmmaker. After earning an MFA in Cinema-TV production from the University of Southern California I embarked on a rich creative journey involving living and traveling in different countries, directing and producing films, TV commercials and children’s television. I won an award for directing a documentary on the refugee camps in Thailand, and had been a creative director for a multi-national animation studio producing animation for kids worldwide. I was the Inter-studio Executive on a US$20 million dollar animated movie and directed a web series for a world leading toy company which garnered a 2 million viewership within five months on YouTube. Check my Linkedin if you are interested in my film/TV work.
But creating personal art on canvas and paper has always made me feel alive and connected to my heart in a unique way. Painting is my happy place and has brought me so much joy, pleasure and serenity. Especially during the down time in between film projects, navigating through stressful moviemaking process, and going through grieving after losing my brother, it is through painting I relax, rejuvenate and replenish. Art making has taught me many lessons — becoming child-like, seeing the world through fresh eyes, letting go of perfectionism, embracing the unknown, stepping out in boldness, valuing my inner knowing — all these have made me a healthier and stronger person!
I want to share my art not only because art making has brought me wonder and new possibilities like nothing else, but more than ever I believe art is a power to transform lives and a bridge into our truest and deepest dreams. Through my practice and works I want to empower others to find their unique voices and develop their powerful expression that can shape a future of hope and abundance for all. I want to thank all my collectors and sponsors over in Asia, Oceana, North America and Europe who have been sharing and supporting my journey. I’m deeply grateful and excited to connect with you, my friend, wherever you live … and I hope I have the privilege to enrich your life through my art.
Follow my journey.
