Matt McVeigh: The Theatre of Art.

Artist Matt McVeigh has experienced a diverse and occasionally controversial career. His artistic journey has allowed him to explore notions of identity, the impact and meaning of colonization, delve into the real and tangible impact of mining, collaborate with Indigenous artists, and draw inspiration from his admiration for Picasso. His work is deeply grounded in concepts, which he explores through different mediums.

He boldly confronts the viewer's reluctance to engage in discussions about important issues, often facing criticism for his works, which can sometimes lead to a "shoot the messenger" response.

Unafraid to paint intuitively, McVeigh unapologetically tackles significant cultural and social issues.

Beginning his career in theatre design, McVeigh's practice focuses on conceptual thinking, finding his place among issues of colonialism and camaraderie, while also navigating criticism, biases, and well-intentioned but some times misguided statements.

His practice has evolved from conceptualizing ideas into art pieces to exploring the painterly aspects of canvas, as demonstrated in his exhibition at Fox Galleries Melbourne, "The Butterfly Effect and Antipodes," marking a shift from being immersed in ideas to contemplating them while exploring the physical qualities of the canvas.

See full interview for further insights into the artist's practice.