Cloth & Colour

About

In the first of our 'beyond the gallery walls' projects, we are delighted to be working with the extremely talented, multi-media artist Matthew Miller. London-based Matthew hails from York and is excited to be collaborating with us at the Gallery and with the Theatre Royal who have kindly agreed to host our Pop-Up project.

Cloth and Colour is a series of textile pieces inspired by the work of the quilters of Gee’s Bend, Alabama. Using only waste material from their worn out garments/sheets, the women of Gee’s Bend made vibrant and raw quilts that rival any colourists of the 20th century. This exhibition drove Matthew to collaborate with his mother, Liza on his first quilt in 2016 before developing his own process to produce the pieces exhibited in this show. He is interested in the ecological use of fabric in quilting, and has used end of roll and pre-worn fabrics in all of his quilts.

Matthew's background in Book Arts and Design, as a graduate from London College of Communication, has seen him host shows in varying media in both London and his home town of York. Previously his medium of choice has been painting, 'Cloth and Colour' will be his first exhibition of quilts.

Leaning into the aesthetic of his paintings, Matthew extends his exploration of bright, bold colours and clear form to create a series of vibrant collages in cloth. He has found in quilts a tactile medium that can work just as easily on a table or bed as on a wall. This practical use gives the works an emotional element, allowing people to feel them and touch them as well as just admire them and giving them a purpose beyond aesthetics. This is why some of our most treasured belongings are those which been slept under, eaten off or worn. We stay warm under them and wrap ourselves in them. 

Cloth and Colour will run at York Theatre Royal from Saturday 13th November - Tuesday 30th November during theatre opening times: Monday 1-5pm | Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 10pm | Sunday Closed. (We advise that you check their website for the most up-to-date hours).  

Please join us at the Theatre on Saturday 13th November 11.30am - 1pm for an opportunity to meet the artist and celebrate this showcase with a coffee or glass of wine. 

For examples of other work by Matthew Miller please visit his website www.mattheworionmiller.com