Israel Tangaroa Birch is  known for his distinctive work with steel and lacquer. His highly polished, patterned surfaces interact with light to create shifting, luminous fields of colour and shadow that seem to ripple as the viewer moves—offering a deeply immersive experience.

Birch’s practice involves grinding and carving directly into steel, embedding a physicality into each work that speaks to the process of making. This dynamic energy—of movement, sound, and intent—feels captured within the material itself, reflecting his constant exploration of the medium’s limits.

Birch holds a Master of Māori Visual Arts from Massey University. His achievements have been recognised through numerous awards, including the Norsewear Art Award (2004–2006) and Te Karahipi o Te Waka Toi (2005).

A respected educator, Birch has previously lectured at Te Pūtahi-a-Toi, Massey University’s School of Māori Knowledge, contributing to the development of future Māori artists. His work has been exhibited widely across Aotearoa and internationally in Australia, Canada, and Europe.

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