Matthew Verdon: Vestigial Traits and Evolutionary Spandrels

About

KELDER is pleased to present Vestigial Traits and Evolutionary Spandrels, a solo project by Matthew Verdon bringing  together a body of new works that expand on his research into circulatory systems and hybridity functioning within an ecological framework. By placing disparate disciplines, histories and practices on a collision course, Verdon attempts to reveal their inter-connectedness through the application of various methodologies. 

Transforming the basement into a laboratory cum storage facility, the installation remains fluid whilst tests are performed and outcomes are uncertain. Vast amounts of financial data is  processed, manipulated and fed into an alternative system which sits at the centre of the project. Reminiscent of a subterranean factory, the hydroponic farm generates produce for the duration of the project with its success, or failure directly linked to the shareprice of the three biggest cloud storage services – Amazon, Google and Microsoft. 

Another storage device form a different time is sculpted from cannabis seeds; the tulipiere becomes the manifestation of two disparate crops during two different periods in history; both disrupting markets and the source of huge investment and even greater speculation. Will one become a repeat of the other? 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Through his research driven practice, London based artists Matthew Verdon, attempts to address complex ecological theories around circulatory systems and its’  relation to global markets. Often experimental and time based, Verdon’s work manifests itself as installations consisting of various sculptural elements. He graduated in 2014 with an MFA from Goldsmiths, University of London. Recent exhibitions include‘Rencontres Internationales’, Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Berlin (2018); ‘Formed into a soft mass’, Foundation, Vienna (2018); ‘Rencontres Internationales’, Le Carreau du Temple, Paris (2018); ‘Per-vert’, Avalanche, London (2017); ‘Building Your Partner Ecosystem: Who Are Your Potential Ecosystem Partners?’ Serf, Leeds (2017)