Art That Makes Itself - In Conversation with Paul Brown at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery

Northern Rivers Community Gallery
Sat 30 May '26

Overview

Join a special in-conversation event with exhibiting artist Paul Brown, who will delve into the evolution of his artistic practice alongside NRCG Exhibitions Officer Travis Paterson, and explore the influences and ideas that have shaped his work. Arising from digital ecosystems made up of artificial agents, Brown designs small computer programs using artificial intelligence and artificial life (A Life) to create artworks. These agents follow…

Join a special in-conversation event with exhibiting artist Paul Brown, who will delve into the evolution of his artistic practice alongside NRCG Exhibitions Officer Travis Paterson, and explore the influences and ideas that have shaped his work.

Arising from digital ecosystems made up of artificial agents, Brown designs small computer programs using artificial intelligence and artificial life (A Life) to create artworks. These agents follow simple behavioural rules, yet through their interactions, something more complex unfolds; shifting patterns, collective movement, and intricate forms that no single agent could create on its own. Images and animations grow organically from within the system itself.

Paul's engagement with generative systems began in the 1960s, informed by the principles of Systems Art and Art Concret, European movements grounded in Constructivism, De Stijl, and the Bauhaus. He describes his method, where elemental rules generate a surprising, abundant richness of form, as the 'Geometric Sublime'.

Paul Brown's exhibition Colonies: The Geometric Sublime – Art That Makes Itself is on display at NRCG from 30 April – 21 June 2026.

This event is free to attend, and seating is subject to capacity. Please contact the Gallery ahead of time if you have accessibility needs you would like them to be aware of.

Location

Northern Rivers Community Gallery

44 Cherry Street Ballina NSW 2478 Australia

Get directions
Location - 44 Cherry Street Ballina NSW 2478 Australia

FAQs

Accessibility

Allows a person's carer free entry into participating venues and events

Actively welcomes people with access needs.

Ask all visitors if there are any specific needs to be met

Caters for people who use a wheelchair.

Have a step free main entrance to the building and/or reception area (includes ramps or slopes with a maximum gradient of 1:14, otherwise are too steep for wheelchairs)

Have an accessible public toilet which is unlocked

Have step free outdoor pathways (includes picnic areas, barbecues and shelters)