Nathan Birch
Born: 1978
Lives in Victoria BC, Canada.
Looking back through the more than two decades that I have painted the landscapes of my surroundings, I’ve realized that my work has likely caused, albeit unintentionally and perhaps even unconsciously, a subtle degree of uneasiness in viewers. My goal has always been to view my surroundings, interpret and express the aesthetic of the locations I’ve explored in the most unique and personal way possible. This expression took the form of painting these scenes across multiple canvases, two or three panels (referred to as diptychs or triptychs), while inviting the vacant space between each canvas to enact its role in the painting.
By dividing the landscapes which have a significant function in defining our identity as Canadians - cut apart that which we instinctively prefer to see as a whole - I’ve caused a degree of tension along with enjoyment. I’ve spiked the Canadian punch, so to speak. I’ve allowed for a tug-of-war to take place between my paintings functioning as a window through the wall as well as an object hanging on the wall. By doing this, I’ve added an element of sincerity to landscape painting. I’ve lifted the veil and shown my representational paintings for what they really are: objects made of paint, canvas, wood and skill, resulting in a beautiful yet truthful illusion of depth.
Education
BFA in Painting, 2000, Alberta College of Art and Design, Calgary, Alberta
Exhibitions
2019 New Paintings, Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto
2016 New Paintings, Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto
2014 New Landscapes, Winchester Gallery, Victoria
2014 New Paintings, Paul Kuhn Gallery, Calgary
2015- 2002 Toronto International Art Fair, represented by Douglas Udell Galleries and Mira Godard Gallery
2013 Paint and Place, Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto
2013 Waters, Douglas Udell Gallery, Edmonton
2012 New Paintings, Winchester Gallery, Victoria
2011 New Work, Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto
2011 New Paintings, Paul Kuhn Gallery, Calgary
2010 New Paintings, Winchester Gallery, Victoria
2009 New Works, Douglas Udell Gallery, Edmonton
2009 New Paintings, Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto
2008 New Work, Douglas Udell Gallery, Vancouver
2008 New Paintings, Paul Kuhn Gallery, Calgary
2007 New Paintings, Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto
2006 Christmas Show featuring Nathan Birch, Douglas Udell Gallery, Edmonton
2006 More or Less, Paul Kuhn Gallery, Calgary
2005 New Work, Douglas Udell Gallery, Vancouver
2005 New Paintings, Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto
2004 New Paintings, Paul Kuhn Gallery, Calgary
2004 New Paintings, Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto
2003 New Work, Douglas Udell Gallery, Edmonton
2003 Summer Landscape, Group show, Mira Godard
Gallery, Toronto
2001- 2002 Artrageous 1 & 2, Group shows, Illingworth Kerr Gallery, ACAD, Calgary
2001 Seven Months of Landscape, Solo show, Art is Vital Gallery, Calgary
Collections
ScotiaBank; TD Bank; Canada Council For the Arts; Alberta Foundation for the Arts; Shaw Collection; Vermillion Energy Trust, Calgary; Wasteless Environmental Corporation;The Granite Club, Calgary; OPSEU Pension Trust; Bennett Jones; Four Seasons Hotel; The Georgia Hotel, Vancouver; The Colart Collection and numerous private collections throughout North America