Matthew Brannon (b. 1971)

Appropriating the aesthetics of graphic design, Matthew Brannon's artistic practice investigates the dichotomy between mass-reproduced images and unique, hand-crafted artworks. Confronting the chasm between language and actuality, Brannon's work often fuses both text and imagery to identify the possibility for conflict. The artist came of age in Los Angeles in the gritty punk and rock era of the 1970s and 80s. The inexpensivelyproduced postcards, flyers and posters of these music scenes were to have a considerable influence on Brannon's artistic development as he began to explore both painting and book design. Currently living and working in New York, Brannon's art straddles both high- and lowend print and poster production. His tapestries and prints, such as the present work Swiss Cheese, are created using traditional printing and embroidery methods, their elegant form often conveying an almost poetic simplicity and subtlety.