Matthew Barney | In Conversation With Cliff Lauson | Hayward Gallery

TL;DR

Matthew Barney discusses his Redoubt exhibition, exploring themes of nature, wildlife, and mythologies through sculptures, engravings, and films.

Transcript

thank you very much for joining us my name is cliff lawson i'm senior curator at the hayward gallery um and curator of matthew barney redoubt here at the hayward um tonight's event is an in conversation um with matthew barney it's very special events um we're absolutely thrilled that he can um dial in join us um from overseas samantha barney is one... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎥 Matthew Barney's Redoubt exhibition intertwines themes of nature, wildlife, and mythologies through sculptures, engravings, and films.
• 🥋 The exhibition showcases Barney's experimental artistic process, blending industrial methods like electroplating with traditional art forms to create visually stunning pieces.
• 🪜 Integration of tactical and natural elements in the artwork adds depth and complexity to the narrative, exploring human interventions in natural landscapes.
• 💦 Barney's approach to artwork completion involves seeking a sense of presence and resonance, signifying the fulfillment of a work within a larger project like Redoubt.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Matthew Barney's Redoubt exhibition explore the themes of nature and wildlife?

The Redoubt exhibition delves deep into nature and wildlife, examining the consequences of human interventions like wildlife management and land management, particularly focusing on the debate surrounding the reintroduction of wolves in specific landscapes.

Q: What techniques does Matthew Barney employ in his artwork, particularly in the electroplating process?

Matthew Barney utilizes electroplating techniques to create intricate and visually striking pieces by experimenting with the chemical compositions, electrical charges, and physical placements to achieve unique patterns and textures on his artworks.

Q: How does Matthew Barney's Redoubt exhibition blend industrial processes with traditional art forms?

Barney's exhibition merges industrial techniques with traditional art forms through processes like electroplating, sculpting burnt trees, and engraving intricate designs, resulting in visually compelling artworks that speak to the complexities of nature, wildlife, and human interventions.

Q: How does Matthew Barney decide when a work or a series is complete within a larger project like the Redoubt exhibition?

Matthew Barney considers a work complete when it exudes a sense of presence and resonance, contributing to the overall narrative and thematic exploration of the larger project. He also mentions that the system remains active until it naturally tapers off in terms of creative output, signaling a potential endpoint for the project.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Matthew Barney's Redoubt exhibition features sculptures, engravings, and films exploring the complexities of nature, wildlife management, and mythologies.

• The exhibition delves into the intricacies of electroplating techniques, incorporating tactical and natural elements in the artwork.

• Barney's artistic process involves experimental approaches, blending industrial methods with traditional art forms to craft intricate and visually stunning pieces.