65 x 95 cm | 25 x 37 in
Subject: Abstract
Original painting in oil on mdf.
Emma Matthews, a 2024 graduating artist from Bath Spa University, delves into the often-overlooked remnants of the artistic process, transforming them into the focal point of her work. Her practice is a meticulous exploration of the secondary and unintentional marks left behind in her studio—paint splatters, initial sketches, and paint palettes. By recreating these traces in the form of paintings and sculptures, Matthews elevates the method of making art, turning the process itself into the subject of her work.
Matthews employs the trompe l’oeil technique, a French term meaning 'trick of the eye,' to add an illusionistic element to her creations. This technique deceives viewers into believing that the painted subjects are real, only to reveal upon closer inspection that they are simulacrums, replacing reality with a meticulously crafted illusion. This hidden labor juxtaposes the seemingly unconstrained appearance of her work, creating a humorous paradox where the viewer engages with the art without immediately grasping its deeper meaning.
Her paintings, primarily executed in oil on MDF board, achieve a smooth finish that enhances the illusion. Matthews also paints directly onto ready-made objects from her studio, such as tables and chairs, further deceiving the audience. By refraining from positioning her works next to the real reference marks or objects they emulate, she creates autonomous pieces that stand as simulacrums of reality within a fine art context.
Emma Matthews' work is a testament to the unseen process of art-making, giving value to the inadvertent marks of creation and situating her practice within themes of trompe l’oeil, self-reference, and simulacrums. Her approach not only challenges the viewer's perception but also celebrates the laborious process behind the seemingly effortless marks, making her a compelling emerging artist to watch.