M.: Where Perception Becomes a Living Language
In a recent piece on AATONAU, Australian artist Matt Smith, known as M., discusses his approach to art. Based on the Gold Coast, he works with acrylics, oil sticks, and pastels on canvas, and also designs wearable art. His time spent in Melbourne, Chicago, and London during the '80s and '90s shaped his views on identity and change. M. stumbled upon painting and became a finalist in the 2001 Sydney Rocks Art Prize, held a solo show, and exhibited in NYC, with his art now in private collections worldwide. After a two-decade break, he launched Visionism, emphasizing perception. Currently, he’s creating a new series for a solo exhibition, along with a book, a short documentary, and a promotional campaign for his wearable art. On rainy days, he enjoys his studio routines, viewing painting as a conversation with the universe.
Key facts
- Matt Smith, professionally known as M., is an Australian multidisciplinary artist based on the Gold Coast.
- His practice spans expressive painting and wearable art, using acrylic, oil stick, and oil pastel on canvas.
- He grew up moving between Melbourne, Chicago, and London during the 1980s and 1990s.
- He became a finalist in the Sydney Rocks Art Prize in 2001.
- He had a solo exhibition and participated in a group exhibition in New York City.
- His work is in private collections across the world.
- He walked away from painting in his late twenties for two decades, later establishing the artistic movement Visionism.
- His father's illustrated letters and collaboration with an NLP practitioner influenced his work.
- He is preparing a solo exhibition, a book, a short documentary film, and a wearable art campaign.
- He describes painting as an intimate conversation with the universe.
Entities
Artists
- Matt Smith
Institutions
- AATONAU
Locations
- Australia
- Gold Coast
- Melbourne
- Chicago
- London
- New York City
Sources
- AATONAU —