Kate Matthews
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Kate Matthews' practice explores the limits of geometric and optical abstraction through the use of colour, repetition, sequence and distortion.
Surfaces are created which fold inward and lie on various angles, occupying and enlivening physical space. As the viewer moves around the work, the form, shapes and shadows alter, creating a sense of distortion and surprise.
The three-dimensional nature of her paintings aid in obscuring the rules of fixed, consecutive arrangements, generating a sense of unease by creating broken and fragmented shapes whilst in a uniform composition. An endless battle between systems and disorder, structure and chaos echo throughout her practice.
Focussing on an aesthetic and optical effect, her work transcends the obsession with 'meaning' in contemporary art. Emphasising the materiality or the 'thingness' of three dimensional structures, she is not only drawing on and combining different disciplines but she is advocating a renewed appreciation of the experience of 'substance' in the experience of art.
The whimsical titles such as, 'I Can't Afford The Luxury of Personal Boundaries', and 'My Apology is From The Heart', contrast the striking precision and sensory impact of the work, and play upon the contemporary viewer’s instinct to search for meanings or significances attached to profound objects.
Kate Matthews
Curriculum Vitae
b.1977 Wrexham, United Kingdom
Education
2011-2012
Curatorial Intern. University of Kent.
2000-2001
MA Fine Art. Lancaster University.
1997-2000
BA Art: Theory and Practice, (First Class Honours). Lancaster University.
Awards and Residencies
2015 National Open Art Competition (shortlisted)
2013 Artist Residency The Old Lookout Gallery, Broadstairs.
2012 Artist Residency ROOM, Faversham.
2006 Celeste Art Prize (shortlisted)
2001 Prospects Art Prize (finalist)
2000 BA Art: Theory and Practice. Award for Academic Excellence
Selected Exhibitions
Kate Matthews and Alina Birkner
5 September - 14 October, 2016. Miranda Guo Gallery, New York, USA.
Kate Matthews – Nanin: Space Concept
11 February – 7 March, 2016. O’Ascanio Gallery, Miami, USA.
Geometry Of The Past, Present And Future
28 November – 21 December 2015. O’Ascanio Gallery, Miami, USA.
Pinta Miami
1 – 6 December, 2015.
Welcome Back To The World (Solo Show)
6 June – 2 August 2015. UpDown Gallery, Ramsgate.
Fluid Formalism: Concepts In Motion
12 – 26 February, 2015. O’Ascanio Gallery, Miami, USA.
Thanet Open
24 October – 3 November, 2014. UpDown Gallery, Ramsgate.
Sinegorsk
20 – 27 June 2013. The Old Lookout Gallery, Broadstairs.
Departure
10 – 25 August 2012. Sidney Cooper Gallery, Canterbury.
Common Ground
25 June – 8 July 2012. ROOM: Mobile Art Space, Faversham.
Between Things
17 May - 24 May 2012. Pie Factory Gallery, Margate.
Sesame Salon
January 2008. Sesame Gallery, London.
Red Dog
June 2007. Red Dog Creative Studios, Canterbury.
Ideas Factory
May 2007. Sassoon Gallery, Folkestone.
Art in Mind
13 – 19 March, 2006. 81 Rivington Street, London.
Kent Artists
June 2005. Jenny Granger Gallery, Whitstable.
Lighten Up
September 2002. Liverpool Biennial, Liverpool.
Persistent Vision
August 2001. Peter Scott Gallery, Lancaster.
Prospects
August 2001. Britart, London.
Kate Matthews
June 2001. 52-54 Lower Bridge Street, Chester.
PIE
April 2001. Peter Scott Gallery, Lancaster.
Graduate 2000
September 2000. Black Sheep Gallery, Chester.
Diversion
July 2000. Peter Scott Gallery, Lancaster.
Surfacing
June 2000. Gardeners Corner, Lancaster.