Plundering Through the Pond of Perplexing Memory Soup / Matthew Springer

9.7.2023 - 10.6.2023

01 - Exhibition Statement

This series of works explores our minds relationship in managing memories and how they degrade or become recontextualized throughout time.

All images are abstract fractions of both positive and negative distorted memories collected over the years. “Infinity Clocks” are placed throughout the works as markers of different periods of time that start to meld together over time past. Obscured with multiple arms they show that our perceptions of memories are skewed the more time progresses. Some memories become so recessed in our minds that we fill in new details that never existed. It may even seem like it was all just a dream.

02 - Artist Statement

Matthew (he/him, they/them) is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in Illustration, Painting / Murals, Design, Photography, and Sound art. Matthew is a 2020 graduate from the Alberta University of the Arts with a bachelor’s degree of distinction in photography. Currently working at Alberta University of the Arts in the Bookstore and has filled roles as one of the main graphic designers of the institution to advertise the various student services available to maintain mental health and wellbeing as a student on campus. Throughout his practice Matthew combines both physical mediums such as drawing, painting / murals, collage, and print media with digital processes such as using Photoshop, graphic design, and photography. Exploring different mediums and textures is a big part of his work.

Matthew has successfully been working as a freelance illustrator and designer since 2017. Creating various works such as Event posters, Album covers, Murals, Personalized commissioned drawings / paintings, photographs, clothing, as well as a grant project commissioned by AUArts to create a comic book / personal guidebook for all of the current students at the institution. Its goal was to guide them in making the most out of their experiences being in a post secondary art institution, and how to explore all the different paths you can take as a creative person.

Through His artwork Matthew enjoys exploring dreamlike worlds and landscapes to escape our minds into the alternate realities of our own imaginations, subconsciously influencing the emotions that we experience in the physical space of our bodies. Matthew is very interested in creating works of art that stimulate positivity and the drive to continuously better our own awareness of mental health, both within ourselves but also to the communities around us. Positivity and inclusivity are key aspects to changing perspectives and in creating a stimulating and caring community and artwork is an excellent tool to both express yourself but also to encourage others to do the same.