Mathew McWilliams: Photography, Painting, and the Transformative Potential of Matter
Mathew McWilliams, born in 1973 in Vancouver and currently residing in Paris and Sydney, explores the interplay of media and aesthetics through structured compositions that emphasize the transformative nature of materials. His artistic vision is rooted in his upbringing amidst Canadian landscapes. During a phone conversation amid lockdown, he elaborated on his interest in the dynamics between subject and object. His initial series, 'Blackground,' showcased Christmas lights captured with a pinhole camera. Favoring paper for its adaptability, he created 'Paper Works,' where he printed a photograph on the same sheet. In the 'Fabriano' series, he employed handmade paper infused with inkjet colors. His latest solo exhibition at Chalk Horse Gallery in Sydney runs until March 28, focusing on color and texture variations. Influences include René Magritte, Anne Truitt, Roni Horn, and Cy Twombly.
Key facts
- Mathew McWilliams was born in Vancouver in 1973 and lives in Paris and Sydney.
- His work challenges definitions of media and aesthetics through formal compositions.
- He uses a pinhole camera for the 'Blackground' series, turning Christmas lights into constellations.
- Paper is his preferred material for its versatility in making permanent marks.
- In 'Paper Works,' he printed a photo of a folded sheet onto the same sheet after flattening.
- The 'Fabriano' series uses hand-made paper from the Fabriano museum dipped in inkjet colors.
- His solo show at Chalk Horse Gallery in Sydney runs until March 28.
- He cites Magritte, Truitt, Horn, and Twombly as key influences.
Entities
Artists
- Mathew McWilliams
- Al McWilliams
- Glenn Gould
- René Magritte
- Anne Truitt
- Roni Horn
- Cy Twombly
Institutions
- Chalk Horse Gallery
- Artribune
Locations
- Vancouver
- Canada
- Paris
- France
- Sydney
- Australia
- Fabriano
- Italy