SPA_CE is pleased to present our first show with Auckland based artist Matt Arbuckle.

The new paintings are a continuation of the artists’ use of liquid paint released onto and into woven polyester fabric. through repeated applications or soaking of coloured pigments and adjustments to the surfaces and substrates (ground) upon which the works are laid, the artist establishes open territories of rich colour and thought.

This body of work touches on the idea of mapping, and perhaps how this may generate a more personal sense of place and surroundings. Zone and atmosphere register within edges and boundaries, and the subtle infusions of colour release flickers of emotion.

Alongside these paintings he experiments with making gnarled bronze tablets. The tablets are cast from assemblages of scrap wood, old pipe and gridded fencing wire; objects found on the old gold trail in Central Victoria. The steel component is activated with primary colours, while the bronze left raw to naturally patina from wherever they sit. While drawing on bronze’s historical use in statues and ritual objects, these works bring discarded tools and material from the mining period into the composition. This invites consideration of the scarring of of a once abundant landscape, while exploring the land’s response to human impact.

Please join us to welcome to welcome the show Friday October 11th, 5-7pm, Matt will be present.

To receive a catalogue of works please email the gallery.