Matt Stokes

The Gainsborough Packet & c. is the culmination of Matt Stokes's residency with 176 and the Zabludowicz Collection. Since March 2008, Stokes has worked within the context of 176, taking into account its architecture, history and relevance to the local area, to produce two new works: The Gainsborough Packet and Club Ponderosa, as well as a display of works selected from the Collection and an artist's book. During 2008, Stokes also completed a residency at Arthouse in Austin, Texas, which included making the two-channel film installation these are the days, also on show at 176.

Stokes's artistic practice stems from a long-term inquiry into subcultures, particularly musical ones. He is interested in the way music provides a sense of collectivity, acting as a catalyst for particular groups to form, shaping and influencing people's lives and identities. Stokes's works are context-specific; he immerses himself in his chosen area of interest, be it folk music, the punk scene in a specific city, or the self-organised groups operating within a particular neighbourhood. After a process of exploring these areas and collecting stories, information and materials, Stokes's produces artworks that depart from his research and take on a conceptual and aesthetic life of their own.

As part of his residency, Stokes was invited to curate a selection of art works from the Zabludowicz Collection to be displayed in relation to his own works. All figurative, many of these Collection works are photographic. They often depict striking performances of personal and group identity, offering new perspectives on Stokes's own practice and his interest in displays of individuality and collectivity.