Artist Lucas Reynes-Matter spoke to the News about his forthcoming exhibition, The Fire In Us All: ‘In my work, dancing becomes a search for liberation. Using imagery taken from nightclubs and raves, I create drawings in which men and women struggle for freedom from the mundane, from fear and ultimately from death. Surrounded by signs and symbols, the dancers reach out of themselves towards something bigger and brighter.
‘My work is inspired by the religious art of various cultures and historical periods. In particular, I am interested in medieval Christian art and the way in which the philosophy and beliefs of medieval Europe were communicated through pictures. Learning about how artists of the past gave form to sacred stories and ideas has guided me in my enquiry into how images can be used symbolically to explore the frustrations, hopes and desires we are faced with today.
‘Having completed my BA (hons) in Fine Art Painting at the University of Brighton in 2011, I went on to the postgraduate programme at the Royal Drawing School from which I graduated with a diploma in 2012. Since then, I have worked primarily in SE London as well as spending two years on an artistic retreat in the south of France.
Exhibition: InSpire, Crypt at St Peter’s Church, Liverpool Grove, London SE17 2HH
Open: 6 to 24th June 2022, Mon-Fri 9.30-4.30. Private view: Monday, 6th June 5-8pm