Muir's paintings reveal a raw essence, stripped of extraneous detail, inviting viewers to playfully navigate between memory and reality, figuration and abstraction. The result is a distant simplicity that resonates warmly, reminiscent of cherished memories spanning from serene coastal landscapes to vibrant cityscapes bursting with energy. writes Joanna Metodieva.
Michael Muir, Oceans Away, 2024. Installation shot courtesy of JD Malat Gallery
Michael Muir has unveiled his debut London exhibition Above the Surface at JD Malat Gallery. Muir's diverse background, spanning from Scotland to Southeast Asia before settling in Sydney, has profoundly shaped his artistic exploration, inspiring the artist to illustrate familiar environments and introduce the novelty of new experiences. In Australia, Muir boasts an already impressive resume, having won the Mosman Art Prize in 2014 and prominently featured in Australia’s Artbank Collection and Parliament House Art Collection.
Above the Surface marks a milestone in Muir's career as it represents his inaugural exhibition in London. This moment not only showcases his artistic evolution, but also serves as a platform to “foster cross-cultural connections” as explained by gallery founder Jean-David Malat. The gallery space is transformed into vibrant extensions of Muir's paintings, adorned with sand, palm trees, and beach paraphernalia, effectively transporting visitors from the London cityscape to environments inspired by Muir's travels.
Michael Muir, Glide Towards, 2024. Installation shot courtesy of JD Malat Gallery.
Loosely inspired by his recent journey to Mallorca, Above the Surface is just one instalment in Muir's series of exhibitions influenced by his travels. Past shows, such as Proximity in 2019 at Jane Murphy Gallery, Rabbit Holes in 2021, and Based on a True Story in 2023, each drew from different locales, including Italy, Bellingen, the Coffs Coast of NSW, and Tasmania.
Muir embraces a simplistic approach, employing geometric forms and solid colour blocks to craft visual landscapes derived from his surroundings. Muir's paintings are not merely static and flat representations; they exude depth and dimension, achieved through his use of a palette knife, which enhances the personal connection between viewer and artwork.
From left to right: Michael Muir, Holding On, 2024, The Waterline, 2024
His paintings offer glimpses of natural scenery and city landscapes, capturing fleeting moments from his travels. Initially, Muir's vivid yet refined colour palette evokes a sense of optimism, fulfilling his objective to "create a welcoming environment" for visitors. The paintings reveal a raw essence, stripped of extraneous detail, inviting viewers to playfully navigate between memory and reality, figuration and abstraction. The result is a distant simplicity that resonates warmly, reminiscent of cherished memories.
Muir's artwork includes a diverse range of sceneries spanning from serene coastal landscapes to vibrant cityscapes bursting with energy. Oceans Away (2024) captures the tranquil beauty of a secluded coastal view, with its shimmering blue waters. In contrast, Ahead is Golden (2024) transports viewers to the streets of a bustling city, with its dynamic composition and bold colour palette evoking the vibrant energy during sunset. The exhibition invites viewers to explore the intricacies of each scene and immerse themselves in evocative recollections.
From left to right: Michael Muir, Oceans Away, 2024, Ahead is Golden, 2024
Drawing inspiration from his diverse upbringing and global travels, Muir’s works seem to bridge the gap between different cultures and foster a greater understanding and appreciation of diversity in today's globalised world where audiences can relate on shared experiences. In Muir’s words: "Above the Surface has different meanings, layers and elements to it. I continue to think about perception and reality in the context of paint. First impressions, hidden textures, and meanings. The ocean has been a constant in my life for the last 20 years and I like the idea that rhythm and lines in the ocean can create a state of flow that works across an artistic medium like painting.”
Muir's departure from traditional plein-air techniques and embrace of a more abstract, geometric style resonates with the current trend towards experimentation and innovation in contemporary art. This technique is particularly evident in his use of vibrant colours and bold compositions, reflecting a broader shift towards expressive forms of artistic expression. Drawing parallels to the bold compositions of artist Guy Yanai, whose vibrant canvases similarly capture everyday scenes with a bright colour palette and blocky brushstrokes, Muir's work finds resonance in both the art historical canon and contemporary digital aesthetics. Like Yanai, Muir's deliberate simplification and focus on singular moments invite viewers to pause and reflect, offering a refuge amidst the complexities of modern life.
Installation shot courtesy of JD Malat Gallery
Muir's artistic impact is further enhanced by the curation at JD Malat Gallery. On the ground floor, visitors find themselves immersed in a space dedicated solely to Muir's artwork, encouraging focused contemplation. The atmosphere shifts to a sandy beach, where vibrant colours evoke the serene shores of a distant island. This transformation sparks nostalgia for some and dreams for others, providing a distinct opportunity for all to connect intimately with Muir's vibrant landscapes.
In Above the Surface, JD Malat Gallery invites viewers on a journey—a journey not just through landscapes, but through memories, emotions, and reflections. It's an invitation to explore the intricate connections between perception and reality, all while in the warmth of optimistic moments captured on canvas.
Above the Surface is view at JD Malat Gallery from 2 May to 1 June 2024, from 10am to 18pm.
Joanna Metodieva is a London-based contemporary art writer, exploring the intersection of creativity, culture, and society.
