Matthew Browne's work harnesses both the painterly and the
theoretical. As an exponent of a contemporary expressionistic
style, Browne stems from an artistic tradition that originally
privileged the unmediated action of painting as a direct
translation of aesthetic thought. However, Browne's work is more
calculated reaction than spontaneous, unmediated gesture. In the
co-existent forms and luminous colours of his characteristic works,
the act of painting itself is celebrated through the careful
application of bands of colour to create tone, depth and emotional
substance.
Browne was born in London in 1959. He completed a Bachelor
of
Fine Arts with Honours at the Camberwell School of Art and
Crafts in 1982 and a Master of Fine Arts with Honours at Auckland
University's Elam School of Fine Arts in 2000. A committed educator
in life drawing, monoprint and colour theory, Browne now teaches
the 'Painters Studio' course at Artstation. He has held numerous
solo and group shows throughout New Zealand, was a finalist in the
2007 Wallace Trust Art Awards, and his work is included in various
private collections both in New Zealand and internationally,
notably in the permanent collection of the Royal Overseas League,
London.