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CURRENT WORKS - MATERIAL WORLDIn his latest collection, Chris Melville uses household items and a slow shutter speed to create landscape compositions, suggesting dreamy lakes or mountains appearing from the mist. Chris works primarily with linen, denim, smooth cotton and fine, transparent organza, creating visual layers and textures. The resulting images, while being made entirely of practical human-made objects, speak of the mystical natural New Zealand environment, referencing Colin McCahon paintings through their minimal aesthetic.
The artistic intention is to create the suggestion of a memory, using the viewer's mind to build a bridge between the artificial and natural worlds. The images suggest New Zealand landscapes, with muted colours or turquoise waters, but it's the power of the viewer's mind, not the subject matter itself, creating that association. |
PREVIOUS WORKS - TRICK OF THE LIGHT
Chris has been exploring abstract minimalism through long exposure techniques and camera movement to access a deeper appreciation of beauty and subtle meaning, in reaction to his more formal commercial music photography work.
Chris explores each subject by making a series of exposures and then manipulating the light captured within the camera to optimise each image. Constant experimentation and adjustment produces a variety of results; no two images are ever the same.
In his images the (normally mundane) subject matter dissolves to reveal dynamic light and dark form, creating surprising and exciting abstract minimalist images from fleeting moments and tricks of the light.
Chris explores each subject by making a series of exposures and then manipulating the light captured within the camera to optimise each image. Constant experimentation and adjustment produces a variety of results; no two images are ever the same.
In his images the (normally mundane) subject matter dissolves to reveal dynamic light and dark form, creating surprising and exciting abstract minimalist images from fleeting moments and tricks of the light.
ABOUT CHRIS
Chris Melville is a visionary abstract artist whose work transcends traditional boundaries, blending texture, movement, and emotion into ethereal compositions. Through a unique photographic approach, he transforms fabric and textiles into dynamic landscapes of light and shadow, creating imagery that blurs the line between abstraction and reality.
Drawing inspiration from nature, atmospheric elements, and the tactile beauty of materials, Melville’s work invites viewers into dreamlike spaces where familiarity dissolves into fluid motion. His process involves slow shutter speeds and intricate fabric manipulation, allowing organic forms to emerge in unexpected ways.
An award-winning artist, Melville’s work has captivated collectors and art lovers alike, particularly those drawn to evocative and immersive visual experiences. His solo exhibition Material World, hosted at the Becroft Gallery, Lake House Arts Centre, showcases his latest explorations of texture, movement, and the interplay of light.
Melville’s abstract photography appeals to those who appreciate art that stirs the imagination and invites personal interpretation. His work continues to evolve, challenging perceptions of photography as a medium and pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.
Drawing inspiration from nature, atmospheric elements, and the tactile beauty of materials, Melville’s work invites viewers into dreamlike spaces where familiarity dissolves into fluid motion. His process involves slow shutter speeds and intricate fabric manipulation, allowing organic forms to emerge in unexpected ways.
An award-winning artist, Melville’s work has captivated collectors and art lovers alike, particularly those drawn to evocative and immersive visual experiences. His solo exhibition Material World, hosted at the Becroft Gallery, Lake House Arts Centre, showcases his latest explorations of texture, movement, and the interplay of light.
Melville’s abstract photography appeals to those who appreciate art that stirs the imagination and invites personal interpretation. His work continues to evolve, challenging perceptions of photography as a medium and pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.
Exhibitions
2024 Art in the Park, Auckland
2023 Art in the Park, Auckland
1994 Five Emerging Wellington Artists, Three Lamps Gallery, Auckland
1993 Solo show, John St Gallery, Wellington
1992 Solo show, Plimmer Gallery, Wellington
2023 Art in the Park, Auckland
1994 Five Emerging Wellington Artists, Three Lamps Gallery, Auckland
1993 Solo show, John St Gallery, Wellington
1992 Solo show, Plimmer Gallery, Wellington
Chris developed a keen interest in the Arts as a child, surrounded by music, cameras, photos and paintings, and a mother who encouraged all things creative. His school years in Hamilton were filled with fine art and photography classes, theatre performances and jazz choir competitions, and his education continued in Wellington with a Diploma in Industrial Design, however Chris spent most of this time experimenting with photographic effects in the darkroom.
Career-wise he pursued design and photography, working through a wide range of design roles. He once held the role of contract photographer for the NZ Herald, producing images of international and local musicians.
Chris works as a graphic designer in the corporate world by day, he sings jazz by night and photographs live music in the weekends.
Abstraction and minimalism have been two philosophies which Chris has used in all these creative disciplines, heavily influenced by the works of Franz Kline, Miles Davis and Colin McCahon. These expressions in Jazz allow for limitless freedom of discovery, delight and interpretation, not only within music but extended to the visual arts too; a ‘rhythm of life’ which is ever-present and constantly revealing fresh perspectives.
Career-wise he pursued design and photography, working through a wide range of design roles. He once held the role of contract photographer for the NZ Herald, producing images of international and local musicians.
Chris works as a graphic designer in the corporate world by day, he sings jazz by night and photographs live music in the weekends.
Abstraction and minimalism have been two philosophies which Chris has used in all these creative disciplines, heavily influenced by the works of Franz Kline, Miles Davis and Colin McCahon. These expressions in Jazz allow for limitless freedom of discovery, delight and interpretation, not only within music but extended to the visual arts too; a ‘rhythm of life’ which is ever-present and constantly revealing fresh perspectives.