Press Release

CASSANDRA BIRD proudly presents a solo exhibition by artist Gene A’Hern titled ’The Storm that Grew Us,’ showcasing an exciting collection of new work that intertwines layers of vibrant colour with paint, yarn, acrylics, and pastel, weaving a poetic narrative that resonates with nature. Having exhibited internationally, this presentation stands out as a landmark occasion in the artist’s trajectory, returning home to exhibit within his region of Sydney. A’Hern’s artistic expression delves into the interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world while navigating between contemporary abstraction and figurative realms. The exhibition’s thematic exploration manifests through gestural mark-making that reveal familiar elements from A’Hern’s everyday environment: ranging from the majestic blue peaks of mountains to the gentle rhythm of rain, sky and bushland. Central to the collection of works are the rich hues of deep greens, stony greys, and peaty browns, evoking the essence of natural landscapes. The tactile allure of the exhibition unfolds as blossoms emerge from ethereal washes in expansive textile works. The harmonious and dramatic interplay between abstract and figurative elements, vibrant yellows juxtaposed with warm purples, and the interaction of shadows and light, transcend the boundaries of a fixed horizon marking notable features throughout the exhibition. Gene A’Hern’s unique visual approach creates expressive artworks that not only capture depth and movement but also convey a poetic representation of spatial and atmospheric nuances.

After earning his BFA from the National Art School in Sydney in 2016, his work has been featured in solo exhibitions at Brigade Gallery, Copenhagen (2023), 1301SW Gallery, Melbourne (2023), and Simchowitz Gallery, Los Angeles (2022). His paintings have also appeared in group shows at Bode Gallery, Berlin (2023) and others across Europe and the US. In 2024, he presented his inaugural solo exhibition at Cassandra Bird in Sydney, further solidifying his international presence.

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Installation Views

Selected Works

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About the Artist

Gene A’Hern (b. 1993 in Australia) is an artist based in New South Wales, Australia. At the core of his practice is a deep engagement with drawing. Gestural marks are made with a combination of processes revealing an eruption of recognisable elements from his everyday landscape: mountain peaks, rain, sky, and bushland. Oscillating between abstraction and landscape, portrait and still life painting, A’Hern’s work is arbitrarily engaged in modernist painting yet looks inward to echo a unique pictorial language, as depth and movement reveal a lyrical illustration of place.

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Also Exhibiting at Cassandra Bird

About the Gallery

CASSANDRA BIRD is a contemporary art gallery with spaces in Sydney and Paris. Working across Australia and Europe, the gallery represents artists whose practices engage with critical, material, historical, and cultural questions, situating their work within broader institutional and transnational contexts, and building sustained connections between practices, histories, and audiences. The gallery draws on deep experience across contemporary art sectors in Asia, Europe, and North America, which shapes a considered approach to working with artists, one focused on long-term development, meaningful institutional relationships, and thoughtful placement. Across its two locations, CASSANDRA BIRD connects artists, institutions, and collections, maintaining a genuine commitment to the artists it represents and the longer arcs of their careers.

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Address
54 Kellett St, Potts Point
Sydney
Australia
Opening Hours
Tuesday-Friday
10am-5pm

Saturday
11am-5pm
(1)
Sydney 54 Kellett St, Potts Point
Cassandra Bird
54 Kellett St, Potts Point, Sydney, Australia
+61 (02) 9161 4213
https://www.cassandrabird.com/

Opening hours
Tuesday-Friday
10am-5pm

Saturday
11am-5pm
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