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The Art World in Focus
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Israel Birch Martin Browne Contemporary 4–28 August 2016 Sydney
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Press Release
Martin Browne Contemporary is pleased to present a new exhibition by New Zealand artist Israel Birch.

Following a strong family tradition of respected Maori carvers, Birch seeks to bring the historical act of carving into a contemporary context. Each image is composed of etched patterns that Birch grinds and carves into stainless steel. Carved circles, orbs and lines lie beneath layers of pigment that generate a dense red iridescence akin to fire and deep royal blues that resemble water.

Birch’s surfaces explore the terrain between darkness and light as well as density and transparency to create enigmatic compositions and imagery. In particular, his gestural marks and elemental form allow light to ripple and dance across the surface like pulsating rhythms. His patterns are read like narratives, each line and contour connects deeply to Maori cosmology and story telling. These narratives are revealed as the viewer’s eye travels around the picture plane as shapes and patterns subtly emerge in shades of darkness whilst others oscillate from a single focus point.

In 2006 Birch was the recipient of the prestigious Norsewear Art Award in New Zealand. He has undertaken an artist in residence position in Appledorn, Holland and has held numerous solo exhibitions in Australia, New Zealand and North America.

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Also Exhibiting at Martin Browne Contemporary

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Munupi Arts
MUNUPI ARTS Ngini Ngarwulla Kirrijipuni Our Clay - Natural Ochres for Painting and Story Martin Browne Contemporary 6–27 June 2026 Sydney
About the Gallery

Martin Browne Contemporary is dedicated to showing the finest in Australian and International modern and contemporary works of art. The gallery combines a program of new work by its exhibiting artists with curated exhibitions of selected works from the secondary market.

Complementing its exhibition program, Martin Browne Contemporary produces an extensive range of publications. The gallery's comprehensive mailing database ensures these publications reach all major Australian and New Zealand public museums and private institutions as well as over 3000 private collectors in Australia and abroad.

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Address
15 Hampden Street
Paddington, NSW
Sydney
Australia
Opening Hours
Tuesday – Saturday
10.30am – 6pm
(1)
Sydney 15 Hampden Street, Paddington, NSW
Martin Browne Contemporary contemporary art gallery in Sydney Australia
Martin Browne Contemporary
15 Hampden Street, Paddington, NSW, Sydney, Australia
+61 2 9331 7997
http://www.martinbrownecontemporary.com

Opening hours
Tuesday – Saturday
10.30am – 6pm
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