Matthew Howes (°1993, Bristol, United Kingdom) makes films, paintings, photos and drawings. With a subtle minimalistic approach, Howes investigates the dynamics of landscape, including the manipulation of its effects and the limits of spectacle based on our assumptions of what landscape means to us. Rather than presenting a factual reality, an illusion is fabricated to conjure the realms of our imagination.
His practice provides a useful set of allegorical tools for manoeuvring with a pseudo-minimalist approach in the world of film: these meticulously planned works resound and resonate with images culled from the fantastical realm of imagination. By applying abstraction, he creates intense personal moments masterfully created by means of rules and omissions, acceptance and refusal, luring the viewer round and round in circles.
His works establish a link between the landscape’s reality and that imagined by its conceiver. These works focus on concrete questions that determine our existence. His works doesn’t reference recognisable form. The results are deconstructed to the extent that meaning is shifted and possible interpretation becomes multifaceted.
His films are based on formal associations which open a unique poetic vein. Multilayered images arise in which the fragility and instability of our seemingly certain reality is questioned. By exploring the concept of landscape in a nostalgic way, he creates with daily, recognizable elements, an unprecedented situation in which the viewer is confronted with the conditioning of his own perception.
Education:
(2014 - 2017) - Falmouth University - Falmouth, UK
BA(Hons): Fine Art
(2012 - 2013) - Bristol School of Art - Bristol, UK
Foundation Diploma in Art, Design & Media
Group Exhibitions:
2022 - Open Video 103
Trinity - Trinity Rd, Bristol, UK - (March)
2020 - 168 Annual Open Exhibition
RWA - Queen’s Road, Bristol, UK - (November)
2020 - Open Video 102 (Online)
Trinity - Trinity Rd, Bristol, UK - (March)
2019 - 167 Annual Open Exhibition
RWA - Queen’s Road, Bristol, UK - (October)
2019 - Open Video 101
Trinity - Trinity Rd, Bristol, UK - (March)
2018 - 166 Annual Open Exhibition
RWA - Queen’s Road, Bristol, UK - (October)
2017 - Exhibit F: Dive
Victoria Baths - Hathersage Road, Manchester, UK - (November)
2017 - 165 Annual Open Exhibition
RWA - Queen’s Road, Bristol, UK - (October)
2017 - Falmouth School of Art - Degree Show: 2017
Woodlane Fine Art Studios - Woodlane, Falmouth, UK - (May)
2016 - Moving Images
Fox Cafe - Woodlane, Falmouth, UK - (May)
2016 - THREE - The Project Space
The Project Space - Woodlane, Falmouth, UK - (March)
2015 - Exhibition II
Lamorva and Belmont Studios - Woodlane, Falmouth, UK - (May)
2014 - Exhibition I
Lamorva Studios - Woodlane, Falmouth, UK - (November)
2013 - End of Year Show
Bristol School of Art - Queens Road, Bristol, UK - (June)
2013 - Starting Out
Guild Hall - Park Street, Bristol, UK - (January)