Statement
Bio / Artist Statement 2012
Matthew Nevin is a Visual Artist working in Ireland, UK and the US. Matthew completed a presentation and performance for media certificate in BCFE, Dublin and went on to receive an Honours Bachelor Degree in Film & Television and Scenography (Design) studies in Aberystwyth Wales. In 2011-2012 Matthew began studying for his Masters of Art in the Contemporary World at NCAD, Dublin.
Matthew also works in the Art Department in Film, Television & Theatre working as an Art Director and Designer. He has previously worked for the BBC, MTV, RTE, TG4, Element Pictures and ITV. During which he accumulated vast knowledge on production and artistic practices within film, television and theatre production.
In 2006 Matthew’s Scenographic work led him to design an innovative piece ‘Fear Omens – Tonal Therapy’ at UWA, UK. In 2007 through his work ‘ Trading Pavements’ -’ U R Portrait’ Matthew focused on the individual self and secondary persona.
During 2006 Matthew cofounded MART (www.martgroup.org) a new initiative to provide a platform for experimental film, new media, installation and performance artists to showcase their work. In 2008 Matthew co curated several events through MART including ‘The Launch’ @ Silkes Galway, ‘Challenging Behaviour’ at Galway Arts Festival. While curating these events Matthew exhibited installations such as ‘i!’ , ‘A.D.’ and ‘Selfish Duck’.
In 2009 Matthew co curated Mart events such as ‘Mart @ Pogo’, ‘The Free Art Project’, ‘Mart @ IMOCA’, ‘MART @ SHUNT’ and ‘Open Door Policy’ at The Galway Arts Festival, while showing his own work ‘D.I.R.T’, ‘D.I.R.T #2’, and ‘The Expansion Effect’ in Dublin and London.
In 2010, Matthew showed a preview of his new Experimental Film The Core Project in ‘An Instructional‘ European tour which he curated with MART and funded by Culture Ireland, with shows in Ireland, UK, Germany, Norway and Slovakia. Matthew also showed in ‘The Lewis Art Gallery’ in Mississippi USA.
During 2011 Matthew was chosen by Ralph Lauren as an emerging artist to design and produce a Star Sculpture for a Polo Jeans campaign with French artist Alexone Dizac. In the summer of 2011 Matthew showed ‘Cent Eire’ in ‘Invite or Reject’ for MART which he co-curated the three city tour; as part of Imagine Ireland; C4 Gallery-Los Angeles, PopupLoop-Chicago, Flux Factory – New York,.
For 2012 Matthew received funding from Galway City Council to complete The Core Project, which will exist online, an exhibition and in film.
“In the first instance, I wish to immediately make an impact, grab the viewers attention, keep it, intrigue them, educate and stimulate their senses. I seize the audience by encapsulating them in my work, connecting curiosity with imagination and enthrallment.
My current work focuses on self-reflection through the evaluation of identity; I wish to explore the workings of inner exclusivity and focus on the depiction of the body, existence and create a character of work conscious of identity and inform the viewer in the format of life. I strive to use innovate methods in my work, utilizing innovative technology to common recognisable materials.”