bLOGOS/HA HA: Matthys Gerber at MCA Sydney

David Jones, artist and poet (1895-1974) begins his PREFACE TO THE ANATHEMATA :

'I have made a heap of all that I could find.' (1) So wrote Nennius, or whoever composed the introductory matter to Historia Brittonum. He speaks of an 'inward wound' which was caused by the fear that certain things dear to him 'should be like smoke dissipated'. Further, he says, 'not trusting my own learning, which is none at all, but partly from writings and monuments of the ancient inhabitants of Britain, partly from the annals of the Romans and the chronicles of the sacred fathers, Isidore, Hieronymous, Prosper, Eusebius and from the histories of the Scots and Saxons although our enemies . . . I have lispingly put together this . . . about past transactions, that [this material] might not be trodden under foot'. (2)

(1) The actual words are coacervavi omne quod inveni, and occur in Prologue 2 to the Historia.
(2) Quoted from the translation of Prologue 1. See The Works of Gildas and Nennius, J.A.Giles, London 1841.

14 October 2015

Matthys Gerber at MCA Sydney

Sydney artist Matthys Gerber is a deft painter who deliberately makes work in an array of contrasting styles. From photorealism to fluid abstraction, portraits and still lifes, Gerber’s interests remain wide-ranging and his approach incessantly experimental.

The motif of the Rorschach reappears in his paintings. In varying colours, sizes and styles that morph into different physical forms, from the canvas to the wall, the Rorschach epitomises the intentions of Gerber’s work to reflect the nature of desire and the will to find figurative elements in abstract forms. This will be the most comprehensive exhibition of Gerber’s work ever staged in Australia.

Curated by MCA Senior Curator, Natasha Bullock.

22 September-6 December 2015

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