Artists in Oakview: Matilde

The end of the Autumn Term sees our artist spotlight shine on Matilde (Upper Sixth), studying for her Visual Arts module of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The collection of pieces provides a snapshot of some of the processes Mathilde has explored over the last twelve months. Many of the pieces curated for the display have a cinematic sense of drama about them, capturing hidden, otherwise unnoticed buildings whilst out exploring the urban environment of Reading and the surrounding areas. Matilde will often use photography at the first instance before manipulating and subverting images to build a narrative to hook the viewer. Inspired by artists Greg Crewdson, Patrick Caulfield and Peter Doig, Matilde reflects on her pieces as ‘scenes without actors’.

” …many of the places I depict are deliberately devoid of people.” reflected Mathilde, “I want the viewer to step into the image and see the world through my eyes, but be able to create their own story. They exit each artwork and walk away to hopefully notice something new within their surroundings, be it in the mundane or frenetic corners of Reading and beyond.” Commenting on her painting, ‘Green Shed’, she said “During the second lockdown, Ihad lots of time to produce new work based on a little adventure I went on through the woods. Playing with perspective and lighting, I captured my favourite scenes that pull the viewer in.”

The work on display will see us through the winter months and offer a brief glimpse of a remarkable talent. Alongside Oakview, another larger work by Mathilde can be seen in the Michael Malnick Centre entitled ‘Hideout’.