Imagine cartoon graphic explosions in Dr Seuss-like colours, combined with morphed shapes that recall human body parts. Add to that some classical mythological references, and you are some way to picturing the work of British artist Matt Franks. With influences as wide-ranging as Italian Baroque sculptors, Greek statuary and Loony Toons, Matt Franks’ work is at once comic, zany and ever-so-slightly disquieting.
Matt Franks’ star is definitely on the rise. From September to November he is bringing his work to New Zealand to be the inaugural Manukau Institute of Technology Artist in Residency and to exhibit his wacky and wonderful mutant masterpieces, in Late One Evening at te tuhi - the mark, Manukau City’s public art gallery from 2 October until 24 November. His residency and exhibition in New Zealand is supported by the British Council and Creative New Zealand.
Born in Yorkshire in 1970, Matt Franks lives and works in London. He graduated with a BA Fine Art (Hons) from Staffordshire University and a MA in Fine Art from the Goldsmiths College, University of London. He has been recently been commissioned by the Tate Gallery to create an exhibition for the Art Now space in the British Gallery. He works both in two and three dimensions. His sculptural works are executed in a variety of materials, including styrofoam, polystyrene and epoxy resin.
Mark Kirby from the Manukau School of Visual Arts says ‘the presence of Matt Franks will be tremendous for our students as well as the general community at large. The work is as energetic as it is exciting, and the artist extremely personable and interesting.’
Curator Rhoda Fowler adds that te tuhi - the mark is ‘extremely pleased to be working with and exhibiting the work of such a vital artist with a growing international profile and it is exciting to be working with the British Council and Manukau Institute of Technology to achieve this project.’
Download
→ Matt Franks: Late One Evening, 2002, publication
Press
→ British sculptor getting inspiration Down Under, Howick & Pakuranga Times, 07-10-2002
→ The British Are Coming, Art News New Zealand, Summer 2002
Ephemera
→ Matt Franks: Late One Evening, 2002, exhibition poster