Karen Rubado is a Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland artist, who graduated with a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Auckland’s Elam School of Fine Arts in 2017. Recent exhibitions include detours and daydreams at RM Gallery and Project Space, 2023; Suburbia, Iteration 22 with the mothermother collective at Northart, 2023; soft ware at Melanie Roger Gallery, 2021; 1924 at Corban Estate, 2021 and under intense scrutiny at Te Tuhi, 2020.

Rubado’s practice delves into themes of identity and memory through an introspective artistic practice. Working primarily with hand weaving techniques, Rubado’s practice is methodical and meditative, traversing between mind wandering and concentration. Repetition in her work is often interrupted by uncontrolled events, resulting in intriguing imperfections that highlight moments of transformation amidst well-choreographed intersections. These imperfections serve as a reflection of disrupted expectations, adding depth to her exploration of the psychological landscapes of the self and the tenuous connection between physical spaces and notions of belonging.