MATTHEW MCDONALD
A SHOW OF UNTITLED WORK
On view JANUARY 12 - FEBRUARY 12 2026
Artist Statement
Man Ray idealized art as “a creation motivated by desire”. My desire is the fullfilment of telling a story, a story that connects in a subconscious manner to a new way of experiencing our world. Like the abstract in music, I aspire to represent ancient modes of indirect storytelling, and direct expressions of symbolic meaning. Literature, Music and Art must not be replaced in this age of miscommunication and hyperstimulation.
These are all very personal and abstract images for me. They will be independently interpreted abstractly by the viewer as well. But what happens with art when the artist and the viewer’s vision align and a connection is made familiar or clear? Is that the end goal or is there more at play? Are we opening ourselves up to new possibilities and new ways of seeing? Are we able to exist outside of our everyday thoughts and experiences, where new worlds begin to open up in front of us.. challenging the status quo? Maybe!
In my practice, I am searching for that moment of wonder or connection. Fleeting maybe -creating a bridge to discovery- before the work on paper becomes a permanent and completed record of that inexplicable vision.
Speaking through image by not speaking at all. Less illustration, less about proving a point, and more manifestation of line, color and texture to add voice and light. Through the gate to ask a silent question.
Peter Schjeldahl wrote an apt description on surrealism in the early 20th century that I would like to co-opt, because I believe art is a protest as well:
“Each work is a jailbreak, successful or not, from a civilization that could be held responsible for spirit crushing conformity and, in the annals of war and injustice, systemic lunacy.”
Learn more about the artist:
https://mustardsynthesizer.squarespace.com/about
Featured works:
Set of 3 drawings on laid paper in ink, graphite, gouache, Untitled, $1400
Diptych on paper with collaged elements, gouache, ink, Untitled, $900
Gouache on board, Untitled, $1100
Gouache on board, Untitled, $1100
Gouache on board, Untitled, $1100
Gouache and collaged elements on paper, Untitled, $1500
Email matthewmcd456@gmail.com for purchase inquiries