Matthew Bourne derives his work from his passion for metaphysical concepts such as sight, sound, and emotion. As a result, Bourne argues that his abstract paintings are timeless due to their emotive qualities and transcendental means of expression.
Bourne’s work is abstracted because he spends time focusing on the process of painting, rather than solely the subject matter. He believes the process of painting is the quality of foremost importance, and is integral to its content.
Bourne aims to set up a tension in his paintings between spontaneity and risk, and a more measured, controlled approach. With this approach, the paintings include both a mix of abstracted and recognisable forms.
Bourne says, 'I strive to create paintings that have the right balance in mood, light, texture, brushwork, placement, incident and structure. To flick, smudge, pour, spray, spread, scrape, rub, splat, squeeze, draw, scribble and dribble in order to create tough, uncompromising paintings which carry the weight of art history and relate to people on many levels. I strive for my paintings to feel timeless being both ancient and modern at the same time, creating an appreciation of the history and passing of time within the landscape'.
Education
B-Tec Diploma General Art and Design Bournville College Of Art 1985 - 87
BA Hons Degree Fine Art Wolverhampton Polytechnic 1987-90
Master of Fine Arts Art Institute Of Chicago USA 1990-92
