The Unbent Curve – Malcolm Koch

Exhibition: The Unbent Curve by Malcolm Koch
Opening Night: 30 July, 2026
Location: 44 Nelson Street, Stepney
Run Dates: 1 August– 31 August

Malcolm Koch presents The Unbent Curve, an exhibition exploring the boundaries of structural form and surface tension. Created entirely in a curved state, Malcolm’s oil paintings and copper sheets endure immense physical stress while undulated or rolled. This literal tension alters the behaviour of the tools, mediums, and chemicals used, fundamentally reshaping their surfaces. By applying marks, making saw cuts, and triggering chemical reactions in this restricted state, Malcolm allows time to act as a primary medium. Once unfurled and flattened for observation, the works reveal striking, unexpected patinas and fluid landscapes—proving that flattening the surface is the very act that brings the curve to life.

Only when the work is finally unfurled and flattened for observation is the final state revealed—leaving behind striking patinas and fluid landscapes that hold the permanent memory of the curve.