Matthew Quick: A Provocative Artistic Journey Through Absurdities and Narratives

Matthew Quick, an acclaimed Australian artist, discovered his passion for painting as a teen and became one of the youngest students at the University of South Australia. Following graduation, he joined Emery Studio in Melbourne, contributing to major corporations like Rio Tinto, Foster’s, and BHP. After a successful career in design and advertising, Quick published fiction before returning to painting at age 35.

As a narrative realist, Quick weaves tales and quirky observations into his art, inviting viewers to unravel stories with the combination of title and image. Recognized among Australia's top 50 artists by Business Review Weekly, his work has found a place in the prestigious White Rabbit collection of collector Judith Neilson. Over the years, he has garnered acclaim, winning or being a finalist in over 70 national art awards, including the Sulman Art Prize and the Blake Prize Director’s Cut.

Beyond his visual artistry, Quick is a prolific fiction writer, and his debut novel was short-listed for the Vogel Literary Award. His paintings have adorned CD covers in multiple countries and book covers for Penguin Books and Era Publications, while also being featured in various magazines and journals worldwide.

Quick's travels, residing in diverse locales such as the UK, Portugal, and Malaysia, have infused his work with a global perspective. From nights under stars in India to navigating societal currents in Burma, his experiences have contributed to his fearless and adventurous spirit. Facing a machine gun in Nepal and crashing a para-glider into a forest mark some of his scariest moments.

Reflecting on his journey, Quick draws parallels with Elias Canetti's pursuit of a 'broader education' during the rise of fascism. With numerous series in the pipeline, he considers his work a continuous research, evolving and pushing artistic boundaries.

In his series, "The Mirror Electric," Quick unveils a Renaissance-meets-surrealist aesthetic, exploring the absurdities of modern life and our curated digital personas. Balancing cheeky wit with profound themes, the series invites introspection.

His piece, "Pure Responsibility," a finalist in the Arthur Guy Memorial Painting Prize, delves into executive control, decision, and consequence. It extends the analogy to corporate decisions impacting distant corners of the world.

Matthew Quick's artistic journey is a tapestry of narratives and explorations, showcasing an artist who continuously evolves and challenges, inviting audiences to join him in the fascinating realms of creativity and introspection.