Matt Fratson

Process. 28-1-12

I’ve been enjoying a productive start to the year in the studio… Currently working on a project involving large scale paintings from images in old issues of National Geographic magazines, as well as developing some ideas involving small ‘natural history reliquary’ sculptures which somehow invert the message and anthropocentric ideals of Christian reliquaries, and draw attention to 21st century/historical ecological issues. The National Geographic images, mostly from issues between 1940 and 1980, stripped of context (the text and articles which surround them removed/not painted) will feed into this fluently. There will be a focus on the values and properties of oil and ‘precious’ substances. Arrangements in rusted old tobacco tins. More on this soon. (Once I’ve figured it out). Working on mixed media drawings/records of the Fin Whale calf which beached at Spurn Point in September, as well as some experimental pieces using resin with transparent amber pigment (another key material in the development of the reliquary sculptures). Also continuing to work on laser-etching photographs into wood, continuing research into the historical connections and relationships between Hull and Greenland, and plotting together small assemblage ideas involving white-wigged Renaissance curiosity collectors (in particular Albertus Seba) which might eventually build into an installation - a study, or a cabinet. A smashed up Horseshoe crab hangs on the wall.