This July, Gallery One is delighted to present a new exhibition of paintings by Australian landscape artist Mel Brigg. The exhibition showcases a fresh collection of works inspired by time spent travelling through Australia’s remarkable natural environments. For Mel Brigg, the landscape is more than a destination, it is an experience. Long drives through regional Australia, quiet bush walks, winding coastal roads and fleeting moments of changing light become the foundation for expressive paintings that capture not only a place, but the feeling of being immersed within it.
A Contemporary Impressionist Perspective
Brigg’s work draws inspiration from the enduring traditions of Impressionism, where light, colour and atmosphere take precedence over precise detail. Like the Impressionist painters of the late nineteenth century, Mel is fascinated by the ever-changing qualities of the landscape. The shifting light across a hillside, the movement of clouds the glow of the afternoon sun filtering through.
Rather than documenting a location exactly as it appears, Brigg paints from memory and emotion. His confident brushwork and layered application of paint invite viewers to experience the landscape as he did: vibrant, alive and constantly changing.
Inspired by Time in Nature
Born in South Africa in 1950 and now based in Australia, Mel Brigg has spent more than five decades developing a distinctive artistic voice shaped by travel, observation, and a profound connection to both landscape and humanity. A self-taught artist who began painting full-time in the 1970s, Brigg has established himself as one of Australia’s leading contemporary artists, earning recognition not only for his powerful imagery but also for his longstanding support of humanitarian and environmental causes.
Since settling in Australia in 1993, Brigg has drawn inspiration from the vast open spaces, changing skies, and unique light of the Australian landscape. These experiences in nature continue to inform his work, providing both a visual and emotional foundation for many of his paintings. Whether travelling through regional Australia or reflecting on memories of his native South Africa, Brigg translates these experiences into richly textured compositions that capture atmosphere, movement, and a sense of place.
For Brigg, painting is an instinctive and deeply personal process. As he explains:
“Painting is a spontaneous reaction that happens when the brain sends screwed up, creative messages to the hand. The hand normally does everything in its power to ignore those signals, but the creative brain takes a path to the unknown and manipulates the moment. That is the path we should follow as artists.”
His work has long explored themes of migration, belonging, resilience, and hope. Initially responding to the political and social turbulence of South Africa during the 1970s and 1980s, Brigg’s paintings have evolved to address broader human experiences that resonate across cultures and continents. As a migrant himself, he is particularly drawn to stories of movement and displacement, often portraying figures journeying towards light as a metaphor for aspiration, renewal, and the search for a better future.
These themes are evident throughout celebrated collections such as Exodus, where groups of figures traverse expansive landscapes beneath dramatic skies. Inspired by the wide-open spaces of Australia and Africa, Brigg’s compositions place humanity within the vastness of nature, creating a powerful contrast between the individual and the landscape. Though the figures often appear small within their surroundings, they possess a quiet strength and determination that speaks to the endurance of the human spirit.
Nature is not merely a backdrop in Brigg’s work, it is an active participant in the narrative. His paintings frequently incorporate heavy textures and organic materials, while his use of light creates a sense of transcendence and emotional depth. The resulting works are both contemplative and uplifting, inviting viewers to reflect on their own journeys while finding moments of peace within the landscape.
This July exhibition at Gallery One presents a compelling collection of works that reflect Brigg’s lifelong fascination with nature, travel, and the human experience. Rich in atmosphere and meaning, these paintings offer viewers an opportunity to journey through landscapes that are at once deeply personal and universally resonant.
Visit the Exhibition
Gallery One warmly invites collectors and art lovers to experience Mel Brigg – New Works, on exhibition from 8 July to 4 August. This latest body of work is a celebration of Australian landscapes, the joy of travelling through nature, and the timeless influence of Impressionism on contemporary Australian painting.
We look forward to welcoming you to Gallery One to discover this beautiful new collection in person.