Artist Statement:
These four paintings are a collection of mixed medium portrait work created throughout the course of 2022 and 2023. These paintings are heavily based within experimentation; not only in medium and structure, but in subject and visual conversation as well. This work tends to be rather ambiguous and allows the viewer to create their own interpretation, with or without an explanation from the artist. There is always a balance of subconscious decisions—rhythmic brushstrokes and color choice, and a more calculated and intentional approach to conveying the subject matter—a balance attempted due to the artist being self taught in his painting journey. These particular works share similarities of visual iconography and symbols, mostly relating to contemporary American images and logos. The New York Yankees cap, the I Heart NY tee, subjects smoking and holding cigarettes. These images could possibly be attributed the artist’s love of “city life” and the artistic rush and freedom that being in an environment like that can create.
In addition, his studio environment impacts the direction and look of his work. Switching between an indoor studio where he can be more docile and careful with his works, and an outdoor studio where paint is free to fly and experimentation can run rampant, Matthew often creates work in both of these spaces and combines the strengths and limitations that these studio spaces can provide. Living in Arizona has impacted the work in a positive way with the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert always providing inspiration, and the Phoenix community also pushing creative limits and boundaries. Matthew’s hope is that these works can continue the creative expressiveness that Phoenix is becoming known for, while also help to push his work in new and different directions.
————
Matthew Kelley b. 1997 is a contemporary artist from Phoenix, Arizona. His work bounces around from a blend of portraiture and abstraction, with a heavy emphasis on experimentation. Elements of typography and bold color arrangements are often found throughout his work. He uses a variety of mediums; oftentimes all at once, using acrylics, oil paints, various pastels, and spray paint to execute his work and vision.
Matthew is a self-taught artist who has been working in the Phoenix area for the last several years. Throughout his artistic journey, he has relied on experimentation through color and application of medium to help develop and refine his visual style. Matthew paints with an intuitive approach to color selection and mark making that is consistent in the paintings; whether the subject is abstract, gestural figuration, or something in between.