“3 Questions for…” is a new series to showcase and promote the work of upcoming artists in the early stages of their careers. In this first issue, I would like to share with you the abstract works of Matthew Keers.
Matthew Keers (born 1987 in Stockport) is a British artist whose work is deeply rooted in the exploration of color. His distinctive style is characterized by dividing the canvas into vertical and horizontal sections of color. He is particularly interested in how the colors meet, how edges create unexpected forms and divide areas of color. These intersections – where colors bleed into one another – have become an important focal point in his work.
By layering washes of paint, Keers creates textured surfaces that evoke depth and unpredictability. Experimenting with a limited palette of pigments, the artist explores the range of results through the use of tints, shades, and washes. Through this technique, he strives to discover colors that convey personal significance, resulting in artworks that balance stark contrasts with subtle transitions.
The artist often finds inspiration on walks and hikes, where his surroundings inform his color palette and the direction of his work. With their reduced visual language, Matthew Keers’ paintings are an invitation to a meditative exploration of color, form and surface.
How would you describe your work to someone who has never seen it?
I would describe my work as an exploration of a reductive visual language which emphasizes a simple expression of color, texture and form.
What do you hope viewers take away from looking at your paintings?
Creating the work is a contemplative process. I’m experimenting with colors and compositions that reflect upon this, with the intent to create a connection.
What are you currently working on and what are your plans for the future? Are there any subjects that you would like to explore further?
I’m currently working on a series of paintings on paper and studies. Having predominantly made small and medium-sized work, I’m interested in working on some larger scale paintings in the future and exploring variations in composition. Looking at the point in which colors intersect and the range between straight and irregular lines.
I’m interested in how colours meet, edges that create unexpected forms and divide areas of colour.
