Matthew Kirk     Work | Artist Statement & CV | Return to Artist List
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Artist Statement
I build my paintings.
Out of wood, wire, cloth and string.
Often these materials are salvaged or found.
I want my work to commute a quiet, economic elegance by maintaining the natural characteristics of the materials used. I often accomplish this by manipulating the material as little as possible to achieve the desired effect.
Working with these imperfect materials often puts me on a fine line between abandoned and elegant, but upon closer inspection of the construction process I think that it is obvious I respect and enjoy sitting on this line.
I want the work to look beautiful and ready to return to the earth as both a nod to my Navajo Heritage and my North Woods upbringing.
CV
MATTHEW KIRK
Born Jan 31, 1978
Lives and works in Brooklyn, NY

EDUCATION
2005 Milwaukee Area Technical College
2001 University of Milwaukee Wisconsin
1996-97 Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design

SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2008
Intergalactic Space Cabin, Burnt Water Space, New York, NY.
2007
Untitled Paper Show, Hotcakes Gallery, Milwaukee, WI.
2006
Deep Wood, Hotcakes Gallery, Milwaukee, WI.
2005
Failure to Thrive, Pr1mary Space, Hamtramck, MI.

GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2010
HELL NO, Convent of St. Cecilia, Brooklyn, NY.

2008
The Labyrinth Wall: From Mythology to Reality, Exit Art, New York, NY.

2007
Aqua Art Miami, Hotcakes Gallery, Milwaukee, WI.
Milwaukee International Art Fair, Hotcakes Gallery, Milwaukee, WI.
Fresh Produce, Anno Domini, San Jose, CA.

2006
46th Juried Exhibition, Hardy Gallery, Ephraim, WI.
Art Chicago 2006, Hotcakes Gallery, Milwaukee, WI.
Fresh Produce, Anno Domini, San Jose, CA.

2004
Bucks and Beaks, Pr1mary Space, Hamtramck, MI.
ARTARRAY02, Pr1mary Space, Hamtramck, MI.
Springloaded, Pr1mary Space, Hamtramck, MI.
Cowboys and Indians, Luckystar, Milwaukee, WI.

2003
ARTARRY01, Pr1mary Space, Hamtramck, MI.
Milwaukee Benefit for the Arts, Turner Hall, Milwaukee, WI.

2002
More Awesome Than Words, Mr. Helsinki, Fish Creek, WI.
Drape.
Wooden Construction Barrier, Screws, 47"x49” 2009.
Pattern Irregularity.
Wood, Latex Paint, Screws, 28"x42” 2009.
Two Folds.
Wood, Rubber, Screws, 14.5"x22” 2010.
Break and the Bend.
Wood, Latex Paint, Screws, 13.5"x29” 2010.
White Striped Stud.
Wood, Latex Paint, Screws, 12.5"x21” 2010
Raw, Exposed Face.
Wood, Wax, Screws 9"x23” 2009
Sideways Glance.
Painted Wood, Screws, 5"x13” 2009
Mile’s End Totem.
Carved Wooden Beam, 65"x9” 2008
Two Board Rhythm.
Painted Wood, Latex, Graphite, Screws, 33"x16” 2009
A Break in the Fence.
Wood, Latex, Screws, 29"x8” 2009
Vertically Converging Totem.
Wood, Chalk, Screws, 7"x43” 2009
Spirit of #4.
1 1/4” Dowels, Chalk, Nails, 7"x55” 2009
Constructed Tapestry.
Collected Wood, Screws, 15"x48” 2009
Weaving #1.
Wire Mesh, Cotton Strap, Wood Frame, Nails, 22"x18” 2008
Weaving #2.
Wire Mesh, Cotton Strap, Wood Frame, Nails, 50"x36” 2008
Contemporary Ancestry #1.
Wire Mesh, Cotton Strap, Wood Frame, Nails, Sinew, 34"x 72” 2008
Contemporary Ancestry #2.
Wire Mesh, Cotton Strap, Wood Frame, Nails, Sinew, 34"x60” 2008
Folded Space.
Painters Tarp, Wood, Nails, 20"x45” 2010
Mesa.
Wood, 35 Nails, 35"x53” 2010
Family Relocation Project.
6’ Ladder, Painters Cloth, Nails, Wood Beam, 72"x48” 2010