Title: Iscaba
Date: 1999 - 2000
Medium: Mixed media on Card - acrylic, cotton
Size: 635 x 540 mm
Binding: Bolted
Pages: 7 including cover
The book 'Iscaba' by Michael Matthews appears to be a visually striking work, possibly exploring geometric abstraction and symbolic cultural items. It showcases intricate white-painted patterns on a dark background, incorporating circles, triangles, and symmetrical arrangements. The bold inclusion of the text suggests a thematic or conceptual anchor within the book.
Given its large scale (635 x 540 mm) and bolted binding, 'Iscaba' might be designed as a statement piece. The structured, repetitive patterns hint at influences from tribal motifs, mathematical patterns, and an industrial aesthetic. The book is an exploration of form, rhythm, and spatial relationships found on an Iscaba, a Zulu apron worn during special occasions such as a wedding. In this case the irony is prevalent.
Title: Making
Date: 1999 - 2000
Medium: Mixed media on Box Card - oil, beads, felt pen
Size: 540 x 570 mm
Binding: Bolted
Pages: 8 including covers
This book showcases a vibrant and textured artwork with words like "making" giving instructional guides. The background created in oil paint and straw, is an expressive mix of dark and bright hues, including yellow, red, and green, giving it an abstract and dynamic feel. A notable detail is the visible body parts - arms and hands - painted in a similar style. The piece is a mixed media work, involving collage, layering, and textured painting, lending it a tactile, almost three-dimensional quality.
Title: Mbasa
Date: 1999 - 2000
Medium: Mixed media on card - oil, felt pen
Size: 640 x 485 mm
Binding: Bolted
Pages: 16 including covers
Title:Umemulo
Date: 1999 - 2000
Medium: Mixed media on card - oil, felt pen
Size: 565 x 530 mm
Binding: Bolted
Pages: 8 including covers
Title: Animal Rites
Date: 1993
Size: 205 x 295 mm
Medium: Mixed media on card - collage, acrylic, felt pens, printed hand drawn paper
Binding: Hand Bound
Pages: 20 including covers
Michael Matthews’ art book, 'Animal Rites' presents a striking interplay of abstract and anthropomorphic forms, rich textures, and layered symbolism. The method is a mixed media approach, featuring black, white, and gray tones with red accents that add depth and movement. Various elements—fish, birds, and human-like figures—intertwine within the composition, creating a complex visual narrative.
The book explores themes of connection, transformation, and a surreal storytelling. The intricate patterns and overlapping layers create a methodical and exploratory artistic process through chiaroscuro and atmospheric styles.
Title: B-Secure
Date: 1993
Medium: Mixed media on paper - collage, acrylic, felt pens, printed hand drawn paper
Size: 195 x 285 mm
Binding: Hand Bound
Pages: 20 including covers
Title: Warrior
Date: 1993
Medium: Mixed media on paper - collage, acrylic, felt pens, printed hand drawn paper
Size: 180 x 260 mm
Binding: Hand Bound
Pages: 48 including covers
Title: Desire & Forgetting
Date: 1992
Medium: Mixed on paper
Size: 280 X 400 mm
Binding: Hand Bound
Pages: 11 including covers