Thriving is a sequence of punctured holes in either depressions or impressions, which are everything and nothing at the same time. They can be distinguished and linked by the ways in which light reaches their outer edges with varying intensities, bringing life and direction to the vacuum (soul) within.
Depending on the lighting and your position within the room, the silver mirrored backdrop that is visible through the holes reflects back to us this spontaneous reality. Making it more than just a painting.
Inspired by our environment
The expansive open spaces surrounding a city (mirrors act as lights), as well as a resting tree log, provide essential habitats for thriving ecosystems. I draw inspiration from the unique open areas that are an integral part of life in Adelaide. The interconnected drill holes and oxidised stains, resulting from chemical reactions, capture the dynamism and energy of the modern world. Representing movement across the landscape and, the memories and experiences I’ve had while playing with my teammates or participating in family events amidst the majestic eucalyptus trees. They serve as a reminder that things are forever changing.
About Malcolm Koch‘s art
Malcolm’s abstract copper art works are in a style that he calls “Membrane Art”. A working practice that is characterised by mark makings on curved structures rather than on a flat picture plane. The surface geometry underpins the aesthetic of each piece. So the drilling, saw cuts, patina (staining) processes were all developed through the practice of allowing the curved surface geometry to play a part in creating distinctive expressions before the transformation of flattening the profile. An aesthetic thought that he has been evolving since 2004.
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Malcolm’s work has had over 20 solo exhibitions and numerous group exhibitions, including at RiAus (FutureSpace Gallery) which had two exhibitions: Visual Entanglement in 2016 and Under the Surface in 2014. His work is in numerous private and corporate collections in Australia and overseas. He has been a three time finalist in the Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize. WNSAP–previously accepted entries, and a finalist in the Stanthorpe Art Prize and the South Australian Living Arts festival.