MLAK x HOTWATER GALLERY

About the Artist

Australian artist and professional surfer Karlee Mackie, known as MLAK, brings a distinctive perspective to contemporary art, shaped by a life immersed in surf culture, movement, and creative expression. Her practice draws on an instinctive relationship with the natural world, translating the energy, freedom, and unpredictability of the ocean into a bold visual language.

Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, Mackie's paintings explore the intersection of spontaneity and intention. Her expressive compositions embrace vibrant color, fluid forms, and an uninhibited approach to mark-making, reflecting the same sense of intuition that defines her relationship with the water.

Moving between the worlds of surfing and contemporary art, Mackie's practice challenges the boundaries between athleticism and artistic expression. Each canvas becomes an extension of her lived experience, capturing a spirit of independence, experimentation, and an enduring connection to the elements.