Reviews
TJ McNamara - New Zealand Herald - Arts - Review of 'Noumena' - Orexart - 14/03/15
Another show with special qualities is Noumena by Matthew Browne at Orexart. His bright, witty abstract work seems effortless, almost as naive as a scribble pattern. This is deceptive because this spontaneous ease reinforces the lyrical quality of the painting.
Each work is individual, existing in itself with no outside reference. Yet there is a lot going on. Noumena 19 is uncharacteristically grey and brown. In the lower area of the canvas two rectangles and a buttress shape apply gentle pressure to push two springy lines up into a grey space. The piece is light and simple but full of energy.
More elaborate works share this springy quality as curving forms interact against fields of bright clear colour. In Noumena 15 one dark form is pushed upward through a field of colour while it pushes green and blue shapes away from a bright blue. In most of the works curving forces dance together and there is an elusive sense the shapes are in the grip of a lively force of special light-hearted music.
It is a collection of paintings of unpretentious delight.