Matthew Kirk

Born in Arizona and raised in Wisconsin, Matthew Kirk now lives and works in Ridgewood, Queens, New York. Having developed his craft without formal training, Matthew creates his pieces using readily available supplies, often from the construction industry: sheet-rock and plywood are his base materials. His vague and familiar marks are an extension of his feelings and are often his way of processing the day’s events—discussions with co-workers or his children, things that have been floating around in his head. Kirk’s Navajo heritage influences but does not dominate his work. Matthew has a desire to connect with people as a distinct individual. When asked about Matthew’s Native American heritage, he says that is plays an important, but nuanced role.

“Early on, I wanted it to be very clear that "an Indian painted this" but I now want it to be equally clear that all aspects have vacillating value. That being said, I do want my work to help me feel connected to the part of my life I know very little about.”

Kirk’s work has been shown in numerous galleries and published in the likes of the Wall Street Journal, Modern Painters, and the New York Observer.

Website: http://www.mtthwkrk.org