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There is
something from our childhood memories that resonates in Matt Robinson’s work.
The bright cartoon like colours and shapes put us at our ease, however on closer
inspection we realise that “here be monsters”.
Sick Cloud is a giant 3D work
made from a combination of randomly collected objects and polyurethane
mouldings, which muses on what an ethereal ever changing thing like a cloud
would puke up if it could. Matt made the work in a process of what he calls
“doodling”, the bringing together of “stuff”, some which is recycled, in the
spirit of play. In this tide of “virtual” vomit we can pick out a seemingly
never ending variety of visually entertaining mini-installations, which explode
from the stream. In a colourful semi-abstract way these smaller works, some with
intricately composed narratives, others which offer witty re-workings of
recognisable images and icons, make up a ginormous whole articulating its own
unique visual language.
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The sheer volume and gusto with which Matt explores
the notions of constant evolution and the setting off of themes of utopian
visions against references of horror, decay and disgust, leaves us with feeling
that a frenzied battle is taking place. The allure and beauty of the colours and
fabric of the work draws us in, but once engaged the realisation of the
awfulness of the object repels us, leaving a bitter sweet memory of the
experience.
Words by
Sara Austin
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