Matt Hardman paints the shifting relationship between people and place, testing the boundary of inner and outer realities. His subject matter is distilled from the aggregate of daily existence.
Hardman works using multiple layers of paint and glazes, adding and re-moving, teasing out and scratching back until the desired form emerges.
The method produces figures and landscapes of a seemingly, fleeting quality, fragmentary; a moment captured in dream-like film still. The off kilter perspectives add a further element of imbalance to the overall effect.
Although, ultimately, Hardman produces works of isolation and raw emotional states, when grouped, the works create an atmospheric parade of touching fragility, interlinking emotional connections and what it felt like to exist in those moments.
Biography
Matt Hardman studied Art & Design at Mid Cheshire College (1989–1992) before completing a distinction-awarded degree in 2D–3D Communication at the University of Brighton (1992–1994). He later returned to the University of Brighton, graduating with distinction in Illustration (2008–2010).
Since 2004, Matt has exhibited regularly at Rye Art Gallery, East Sussex, where his work has also been acquired for the permanent collection. He has been a member of the Rye Society of Artists since 2008.
His solo and group exhibitions include: Rye Art Gallery (2006, 2015, 2018), Langham Gallery, London (2014), Masterpiece Gallery, London (2020), Escape Art Centre, Tonbridge (2021), Rye Bank Gallery (2021), and View Gallery, Bristol (2023).
Recent highlights include selection for the John Moores Painting Prize long list (2023) Jackson Painting prize long list (2022), as well as exhibitions at 15 Bateman street Soho London (2024) Rogue Gallery, St Leonards (2025), Black Shed Gallery, Robertsbridge (2025), and NG Art Creative, South of France (2025).
Matt hardman ( born 1972 ) lives and works in Rye East Sussex UK studied 2D & 3D communication at University of Brighton 1992 - 1994 & Illustration at the University of Brighton 2008 - 2010 achieving awards in both subjects he has exhibited extensively in the UK and his work is held in private and public collections.
