MATT WRIGHT
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There are some iconic musicians and references to music within your work, is this something that has much of an influence on your work?
Yeah, for sure. I'm originally a musician before I started getting into art. I studied jazz after I left high school, and that whole approach to the creative process has definitely informed my own artistic process (aside from the direct references in the subject matter of a few paintings). It's sort of all I've got really, having not studied art, so I've just had to transfer that knowledge over. The whole live art thing has really taken off in Perth in the last two years. Why do you think it has become so popular and have you ever painted for the viewing pleasures of others? I guess it's a pretty alien process to someone who has never tried it, so to see people doing it live is always fascinating. And everyone brings their own unique process to the table. I've never done it before hey, I always paint in my studio where I can lose my shit and swear and no-one will see. So the Photobomb show should be interesting for me haha. |
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"I think studying an artform can be amazing if you navigate it properly, and really know what you want and where you're trying to take your work."
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Have you studied art at University or TAFE? What are your thoughts on studying a creative outlet like visual art.
Nah I haven't studied art formally. But I probably would have if I didn't study music. I think studying an artform can be amazing if you navigate it properly, and really know what you want and where you're trying to take your work. Otherwise the institution can just crush you. I had a bit of both while studying music ha Who's artwork are you hyped on in Perth at the moment? I love Kim Kim Kim's work, she's smashing it at the moment. Also Jarrad Martyn, Richard Healy, Tessa McOnie. Kate Haug is a badass. Andy Quilty's fucking killer too. |
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And then who outside of our little pond?
Massive fan of Conor Harrington, an Irish oil painter who lives in the UK. His wife Chloe Early is amazing too. Also anything by Justin Mortimer, Ben Quilty, Kent Williams, Stanley Donwood, Antony Micallef.
Massive fan of Conor Harrington, an Irish oil painter who lives in the UK. His wife Chloe Early is amazing too. Also anything by Justin Mortimer, Ben Quilty, Kent Williams, Stanley Donwood, Antony Micallef.
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You use quite a a range of mediums in your work, did you do much experimenting with different paints and materials to get your style, or do you just use whatever you've got handy that will work for the piece? I initially just wanted to use paint and be very traditional but couldn't do it haha. I'd try really hard to just keep it to paint, but when I'd eventually let something else happen the image would all of a sudden make sense. It's kind of like the different mediums work off one another or something…I don't really know yet, I'm still working on it. I didn't really "experiment" beforehand or anything, but each painting arrives in it's finished state through trying out all sorts of different things on the board. Which can result in some massive cock-ups, but that's just part of my process so far I guess. |
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"Is she the one that made that video talking about how bad social media capitalism is? Yeah they probably will"
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What is your take on promoting yourself as an artist through the social media world? Some say it's a popularity contest, others actually get a heap of commissions and sell a bunch of their work through it. Yeah I think it's pretty amazing hey. I'm not great at promoting myself online, but I don't think you necessarily need to be. I think if you can use it for what it is and not get caught up in it then more power to you. Reckon any more of those insta-models (how is that even a word now) are going to wig out like that Essena O'neill girl did? Is she the one that made that video talking about how bad social media capitalism is? Yeah they probably will |
What advice to do you have for up and coming artists?
I'm still an "up-and-coming" artist myself, so I don't know if I've got much advice to give. Apart from just do fucking heaps of work.
Anything you want to get off your chest?
Nah not really hey, thanks for the chat!
I'm still an "up-and-coming" artist myself, so I don't know if I've got much advice to give. Apart from just do fucking heaps of work.
Anything you want to get off your chest?
Nah not really hey, thanks for the chat!
@matthewwrightart
Mathew Wright has been chosen by Little Wing Collective to participate in the November *Photo Bomb* event as the wildcard entrant.