Mat Kemp

Mat lives and works in Southwest London. After obtaining a Diploma in Sculpture Restoration from the Instituto Statale D’Art Florence in 1982, he graduated with a first-class BA (Hons) in Sculpture from the University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in 1985. Two years later, he was awarded a Diploma in Bronze Casting from the Royal College of Art.

Mat’s love of sculpture has always been evident in his work. Previously, he drew inspiration from the Assyrian friezes at the British Museum, erotic Etruscan tomb frescoes, and the constructions and installations of Kurt Schwitters.

Mat’s earlier artworks seamlessly combined traditional materials with a passion for rejuvenating found objects. His recent work with Cube Gallery exclusively focuses on sculptural assemblages, utilising salvaged 35mm movie strips, stills and amateur slides set behind recycled Nespresso coffee pods. A self-confessed movie buff he enjoys the idea of fragmenting a film but also using its own rhythm and colour. In alignment with Mat’s sense of playfulness, viewers are pleasantly surprised when the pods are illuminated from behind. As he aptly puts it, “the pieces are calm until once illuminated – then it’s show-time!”

Recently, Mat introduced Subbuteo figures into his work, describing them as ‘being together alone or alone together’. These figures, combined with background illumination, serve as an effective device to captivate the viewer, encouraging them to explore the inset imagery within each pod. 

Describing the imagery in his own words, “I attempt to reinterpret familiar subjects and materials, challenging the viewer to examine the visual symbols and incidental forms that are taken for granted in everyday life.”

Mat has exhibited with Cube Gallery at both Art Miami and SOFA Chicago, with his artworks held in private collections, including those of Oxford and Cambridge University.

Click here to read 'An interview with Mat Kemp'