Matthew Rodriguez at motel gallery
Matthew Rodriguez, Seen From the Window Of A ‘57 Chevy, 2007, C-Print
We don’t know artist Matthew Rodriguez. He’s from Austin and we’re not. But we think we like him based on the work he’s showing in Bindle Stiff his solo exhibition opening tonight at motel (19 NW 5th, Portland).
His work is sweet and odd, one-part made-for-gallery work on board, multiples, etc. and one-part street art that he captures in photograph. Are the two colorful little guys painted on the wall behind the pile of sand-colored rubble really on a wall somewhere in Iraq as the title of one piece suggests? We want them to be. Candy corns frown, but the trees smile, and even though the patchwork monster looks scary, he has a sweet streak. What’s it all about? Throughout much of his work, Rodriguez’ motifs are those of the animated guys inviting you to get a treat at the Snack Shack before the movie begins at the Drive-In. So while much of the work is rendered in a childlike way, as well it addresses childhood fears, games, memories and moments like scenes of a child alone in a room (save for the big patchwork monster). But when the work goes out in the world (as in the photos exhibited), on the side of an abandoned barn or a dirty, graffiti’ed wall in New York, it’s telling a different story of the insertion of the innocent into the big crazy world with attendant joys, loneliness, and fears.
The opening reception is from 6-9 PM tonight.
Matthew Rodriguez, Mr. Wooster Street, 2007, C-Print, Mounted on Sintra, Face Mounted to Plexi
alright edemames on me! shoulda woulda. Kind words. Thank you ghost editor.
love from the
storm that brings rainbows