Mat Barber Kennedy RI

Statement

I have spent my life looking at architecture around the world. My paintings of buildings are a celebration of the lives of ordinary people and the passing of time. They are a moment of recognition and applause for the everyday and the banal.

Methodology

All of my work is derived from paintings, drawings and notes that I make on location observing real cities. I spend a month or so each year studying and recording the subject matter that will sustain me for the rest of the year.

I collect newspapers, receipts, wrappings and labels from my trips, some of which become incorporated into the fabric of my finished paintings.

My work is all created with water-based media, primarily watercolour but I also use inks and some limited amounts of gouache and acrylic. The work derives much of its weight and intensity from the use of collage and a variety of thickening and glazing agents.

I undertake commissions regularly, always beginning with a period of time at the location to draw and paint and react to the subject in person.

Bio

1962 Born in Hornchurch, Essex

1981-84 Studied BA (Hons) in Architecture at the University of Sheffield (First class)

1986-88 Studied MA in the Department of Architecture at Royal College of Art

1989-90 Studied RIBA part 3 at South Bank University

1994 Elected a Member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours

2001- British Cultural Consultant, Cartus International, Chicago

2002 Faculty of Design, Columbia College, Chicago

2003- Taught Life Drawing, Watercolour and Postgraduate Studio, American Academy of Art, Chicago

Exhibitions

Solo Exhibitions:
2007 ‘Brush and Needle’, MBK Studios, Chicago

2004 ‘Havana’, ES Lawrence Gallery, Charleston

2003 ‘Charleston’, ES Lawrence Gallery, Charleston

Group Exhibitions:
2004/06 ‘International Drawing Biennale’, Plzen, Czech Republic

2003 ‘New Works by Mat Barber Kennedy and Katherine Brennand’, Linda Blackstone Gallery