This year SPA_CE stages a two person show with paintings from Mark Braunias & Martin Poppelwell.

This presentation sets out to show works built at approximately the same time and therefore complimentary. It’s like they are having a conversation, which as artists they often did. Mark has created a unique visual language. The monochromes are sculptural alabaster forms floating amongst an open void. A transition from the austerity of the monochromes to the vividly coloured face analogues, works that are witty in colour, attitude and delivery. With Poppelwell we see a language and colour that offers a playful and knowing tongue-in-cheek casualness reflecting an approach to upending contemporary life. Narrative, existence and structure operate in a perpetual visual dance.

Mark passed away in late 2024, we are fortunate to collaborate with the family to present works from this last period of studio practice, along with a few other wonderful characters.

If you are unable to attend the Aotearoa Art Fair please email me for a catalogue of works once available hello@thisisspace.co.nz