ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

In her latest series of works titled Invagination Montreal artist Melanie Matthews questions the traditional notions of the feminine. Fusing anatomical imagery with decorative elements and illustration, Matthews re-contextualizes the female body and challenges the male gaze.

Matthews' mixed media works are irreverent and playful, juxtaposing visual elements in humorous, even absurd ways. The imagery focuses on depictions of the female body, ranging from idealized portraits to candid scientific illustrations. For example, Matthews layers anatomical drawings of female genitalia over flowery household fabrics upholstered into headboards; line illustrations of heart valves are superimposed on richly textured, vividly painted wooden surfaces. 

As poignant as her imagery is the selection of materials the artist incorporates in her work. Blurring the boundaries between the mundane and the precious, Matthews works with surfaces such as wood, peg-board, plexiglass, and a gamut of textiles.

Matthew's charming deadpan delivery subtly queries our assumptions of gender.

 

 

 

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Born in Montreal, Melanie Matthews studied painting and drawing at Dawson College and earned at BFA (with distinction) at Concordia University. She is the official working artist for the Province of Quebec for Golden Paints, splitting time between creating her own work and teaching art techniques to aspiring artists. Matthews has had several solo shows of her work, as well as exhibited in many group shows in Quebec, Ontario and abroad.

Exhibition
July 19 - August 4, 2012

Vernissage
Friday, July 20, 2012
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

View exhibition catalogue