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Michael Matthews: Art and Studio Research
Michael Matthews, born in 1961 in South Africa, has made significant contributions to the art world through his extensive education and numerous exhibitions. His journey began with the Emma Smith Bursary in 1982, followed by a series of academic achievements, including a H.D.E. from Natal University in 1983, a Philosophy course (NDP) from the University of South Africa in 1985, a B.A.F.A. from Natal University in 1987, and an MAFA from the same institution in 1997.
Matthews has showcased his work in various prestigious galleries and exhibitions throughout his career. His first solo exhibition was held at the NSA Gallery in Durban in 1989. He continued to exhibit his work in numerous venues, including the Karen McKerron Gallery in Johannesburg, the Natal Technikon Gallery in Durban, and the Gallerie Binnenland in Amsterdam. Matthews was also a key figure in forming DASART, a collective that held exhibitions across South Africa and internationally.
Some of his notable exhibitions include the Johannesburg Biennale Fringe in 1995, the AM.t.t. Events at the Tatham Art Gallery and Durban Art Gallery in 1996, and the Transmigrations series, which was showcased in South Africa, the USA, and Mexico from 1999 to 2002. His last recorded exhibition was in 2005 at the Merely Mortal Gallery in Johannesburg, curated by Gordon Froud.
Since 2005, Matthews has shifted his focus from public exhibitions to studio research. This transition has allowed him to delve deeper into his artistic practice, exploring new techniques and concepts without the constraints of preparing for exhibitions. By concentrating on studio research, Matthews continues to evolve as an artist, pushing the boundaries of his creativity and contributing to the art world in a more introspective and innovative manner.
Education:
1982: Emma Smith Bursary
1983: H.D.E., Natal University
1985: Phil. course (NDP), University of South Africa
1987: B.A.F.A., Natal University
1988: HSRC Bursary
1997: MAFA, Natal University
Selected Exhibitions:
1989: NSA Gallery (Durban) - One man show
1990: Karen McKerron Gallery (Johannesburg) - With Ashley Johnson
1990: Exhibitions for Cities (Pietermaritzburg) - Serigraphs
1991: Natal Technikon Gallery (Durban) - One man show
1991: Grass Roots Gallery (Durban) - One man show
1991: Gallerie Binnenland (Amsterdam) - With Ashley Johnson
1992: Jack Heath Gallery (Pietermaritzburg) - Group show, formation of DASART
1993: Natal Technikon Gallery (Durban) - DASART exhibition
1993: ICA (Johannesburg) - DASART exhibition
1994: UNISA Gallery (Pretoria) - DASART exhibition
1995: Megamusic (Johannesburg) - Johannesburg Biennale Fringe
1995: Tatham Art Gallery (Pietermaritzburg) - DASART Installation
1996: Durban Art Gallery (Durban) - DASART Installation
1996: Oliewenhuis Art Gallery (Bloemfontein) - DASART Installation
1996: Tatham Art Gallery (Pietermaritzburg) - AM.t.t. Event (February)
1996: Durban Art Gallery (Durban) - AM.t.t. Event (May)
1996: Grahamstown Arts Festival (Grahamstown) - AM.t.t. Event (July)
1996: Tatham Art Gallery (Pietermaritzburg) - AM.t.t. Event (August)
1996: Buzz Bar (Pietermaritzburg) - AM.t.t. Event (August)
1997: Westville Museum (Durban) - AM.t.t. Installation, with Artefacts from Msinga
1997: Small Spaces Gallery - Carfax (Johannesburg) - DASART (July - November)
1998: Gallery 111 (Johannesburg) - DASART Draws the Line (August)
1999: DASART Johannesburg Civic Gallery - Transmigrations: Rituals and Items, South Africa
1999: Artshare - Transmigrations: Rituals and Items, Los Angeles (ASLA), USA
1999: University of Baja - Transmigrations: Rituals and Items, California, Tijuana, Mexico
2000: The Angel's Gate Cultural Center - Transmigrations: Rituals and Items, Los Angeles, USA
2001: FOKOFO-Natives on Display - The Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
2001: FOKOFO-Natives on Display - The Durban Art Gallery, Durban, South Africa
2002: FOKOFO-Natives on Display - The Oliewenhuis Art Gallery, Bloemfontein, South Africa
2002: Transmigrations - Pretoria Art Gallery, Pretoria
2002: Transmigrations - Oliewenhuis Museum, Bloemfontein
2003: Gordart@Thompson Gallery - No Agenda (gallery opening)
2004: Gordart@Thompson Gallery - Brown, JHB
2004: Gordart@Thompson Gallery - For the Record/Off the Record (group), JHB
2005: Gordart@Thompson Gallery - Merely Mortal Gallery (group), JHB
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