“I draw inspiration from the interior regions of Australia. The vastness and intensity of light, combined with the spirituality of the indigenous peoples, are a never-ending source of subject matter for me." - Mel Brigg

Born in South Africa in 1950, Mel is a self-taught artist, establishing his professional career in 1979. In 1993, Mel left South Africa and immigrated to Australia, settling near Dungog in New South Wales.

His paintings are expansive in their vision and yet simple and skilled in application. Particularly of note are his beautiful paintings of beaches and landscapes with two or three people to give scale. His skies are famous for the moods they depict. He is also well-known for his “Bowl” series of paintings that have an almost oriental simplicity to them.

Mel is an artist whose career spans three decades and several continents. He is noted for his support of institutions such as Child Welfare, Wild Life Trust, and Save the Rhino Foundation and his solo exhibitions that draw attention to political situations and anti-apartheid issues. Additionally, he founded the Swellendam Art Society.

His works are in collections all over the world, including the South African Embassies in Singapore, Canada, and Belgium; the Royal Exchange in London; the Pellisier Museum; the Universities of Orange Free State and Stellensbosch in South Africa; and Barclays Bank in South Africa and Australia.

The Queensland Government, Grain Corporation Sydney, Optus Communications, Sisters of St. Joseph North Sydney, and Keanu Reeves are all proud owners of Mel Briggs paintings.

Currently, Mel resides in the Dandenong region of Victoria.