Work
Matthew Swift’s work has been split into six distinct galleries which follow a more or less chronological trajectory. He has given each gallery a title to help illustrate the general thrust of that body of work. The first gallery, Expression, refers to the expressionistic style and use of paint in this group of work. Expansion indicates work that begins to explore new ideas using a broader range of materials. Welcome and Beyond refers specifically to the main piece in his MFA degree show, a large billboard with the word ‘Welcome’ spelt out using push pins. Time and Place displays work of mixed-media installations, the title takes its name from a show he had at West Space in Melbourne. Nervous Energy shows paintings from a solo exhibition in Melbourne. Piecing It Together is the title of his most recent show of paintings in London which were inspired by ‘pieced together’ small scale collages, of photographs, newspapers and drawings.
