Matthew Chambers

Matthew Chambers paints colourful, bold works using abstract and figurative techniques. Writing and drawing play an important part in his work and he is interested in examining his own status as an artist and painter, as well as the act of painting itself. Chambers also makes books and zines, which bring together his drawings and texts and which are included here alongside his paintings.

Chambers challenges himself to produce paintings that interest and surprise him, in which he 'can go beyond the image, or beyond the idea of an image into a state of catharsis'. Failing that, he tears unsuccessful paintings into strips, which he uses to compose what he calls his 'slash paintings', some of which are then painted silver and transformed into 'chrome monochromes', rising phoenix-like from the debris of frustration.