mjc

cover page

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 16:10 +0000

"Moving About on Clouds" (Photo of 1 of 2 figures which are part of an installation on display at Des Moines International Airport), 2010 (c). Photo credit: Gabriel E Sáenz
Medium: Silicone, silicone paints, resin, glass eyes, human hair, clothes, cell phone, coffee cup.

About the Artist:
matthew j clark is an installation artist and sculptor. Clark’s “projects,” while utilizing humor, speak the language of conflict – a conflict between perception and reality, between seeing and believing, between thought and action. In this regard, his objects are “confrontational” distortions and exaggerations of ideas and their underlying assumptions which cannot easily be compartmentalized. They interrupt our everyday in a surreal but amusing way, encouraging us to ask, “Am I sure?”

News:
Matthew was named in CityView as the “ARTIST OF THE YEAR” for 2009. Also, his “Twisted Words” show was named “Exhibition of the Year” in the non-traditional venue category. Here is a link to the article. CityView Article. He was also named in March by the same publication as one of the "TOP TEN BREAKTHROUGH ARTISTS" of the previous decade. Matthew's first sculpture of 2010 is entitled, "Ta-da," which places the relatable childhood memory of playing with broken toys in a 21st century context. As Matthew said, "Who, as a child, hasn't had a toy whose head came off? Reality and the make believe collide, and we're left with a choice as to how to respond." Matthew placed a contemporary art installation in the Des Moines International Airport on July 2nd.

Jimmy In Booth

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:02 +0000

Title: Our Little Jimmy Can Do Anything If He Puts His Mind To It, 2009 (c)
Medium: silicone, glass eyes, human hair, silicone paints, plastic, clothes, glass and aluminum telephone booth, payphone.
Dimensions: 33.5”w x 87”h x 33.5”d

photo by www.WrongSyntax.com

But We're Hungry (MJC 2009 (c))

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:02 +0000

Title: Untitled , 2009 (c)
Medium: "Corn Flakes" box, cast urethane foam, steel chain and wire, padlock, wooden stool, wooden tables.
Dimensions: 44”w x 150”h x 32”d

Photo by matthew j clark, 2009 (c) all rights reserved.

beaver

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:02 +0000

Title: Randomly Generated and Numbered Co-Titles: (1) , (2) What happens if I push this button?, 2008
Medium: taxidermied beaver, flashlight, computer and monitor parts, fabricated steel, wheels, painted plastic figure.
Dimensions: 36”w x 50.25”h x 28”d.

tada black background 1

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:01 +0000

Title: Ta-da, 2010 (c)
Medium: painted urethane resin
Dimensions: 32"h x 41"w x 60"d
Credits: sculptural modification of popular cartoon figure and 1 inch high child's toy figurine.

tada black bkgd 2

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:01 +0000

Title: Ta-da, 2010 (c) (close-up of the head of the figure)
Medium: painted urethane resin
Dimensions: 32"h x 41"w x 60"d
Credits: sculptural modification of popular cartoon figure and 1 inch high child's toy figurine.

Simulacrum of Hope 2

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:01 +0000

Title: A Simulacrum of Hope: Simulation of the Triumphal Entry of the Christ, 2009
Medium: silicone, glass eyes, synthetic hair, silicone paints, plastic, clothes, saddle.
Dimensions: 76”w x 96”h x 40”d (sculpture object with base and taxidermied donkey not pictured)

Performance Information:
The simulation took place on January 19, 2009, one day before the inauguration of President Obama, in Des Moines, Iowa, where His meteoric rise began. While onlookers waived palm branches, a motorcade consisting of 4 black SUVs, the sculpture affixed to a donkey, and secret service agents made the mile long triumphal entry which ended at the steps of the State of Iowa Capitol building. The sculpture will now be affixed to a taxidermied donkey (not pictured). SEE VIDEO: Click to the next page to see a video of this performance.

Artist Statement about the Sculpture:
"The sculpture poses a question that relates to religious icons, social conventions, metaphysics, and the collective response of society in reaction to fearful and uncertain times. For me, it has much more to do with us members of the general public - as followers - than any leader granted power."

Simulacrum of Hope 1

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:01 +0000

compulsion no 1

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 01:01 +0000

Title: Compulsion No. 1, 2008 (c)
Medium: silicone, glass eyes, human hair, silicone paints, drywall, paint, wood trim, electrical outlet and cover, photographs, picture frames, shirt, favorite tie.
Dimensions: 48”w x 102”h x 12”d (as pictured)

Took $1.37 from the Offering Plate

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 21:24 +0000

Title: Took $1.37 from the Offering Plate, 2009
Medium: television, steel chain, wire, steel tubing, painted railroad spikes, your videos.
Dimensions: 108”w x 180”h x 14”d

Requesting Video Submissions for this Sculpture - SEE BELOW:
This sculpture is a modified version of an installation art piece I was commissioned to do. My intent is that this sculpture be defined by how others interact with it. Interested persons should request that we embed your video into the sculpture below by completing this form. Click the PLAY button on the TV below to see today’s video.

Title: Took $1.37 from the Offering Plate, 2009

photo by WrongSyntax