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.
Press release courtesy Martin Browne Contemporary.
15 Hampden Street
Paddington, NSW
Sydney, 2021
Australia
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