Matthew Colgan would like to present his latest creation titled ‘Transformation’.

‘Transformation’ is a sculptural piece that has been created from recycled aluminum cans, wood, wire & mixed media. It measures approximately 4ft x 4ft x 1ft, is light weight and can be suspended from it’s wings, enabling you to view it from all angles.

“Over the last year I have gone through a bit of a transformation. My new friends and my new girlfriend have changed me a lot. I feel happy, free, reborn and renewed.

The phoenix represents my feelings. Like the bird, I am filled with passion and happiness. I have wings that help me reach new heights. I was in a dark place before and now I feel reborn.

I created this piece to inspire others to believe in their own ability to renew themselves and that from something negative you can create something beautiful, if you work hard enough.” – Matthew Colgan

 

Matthew created this artwork as part of his visual and performing arts module here in EVE Estuary. He has been working on this project full-time over the summer months. This dedication and hard work has payed off and he has been given the opportunity to showcase this artwork at a forthcoming outsider art exhibition that has been curated by Brent Pope and is titled ‘BEYOND: Irish Outsider Art’. The exhibition takes place from the 7th – 25th of October 2015 in The Copper House Gallery, off Synge Street, Dublin 8.

Here is some additional information about the artist –

Matthew Colgan was born in 1971 and has lived in Swords, Co. Dublin, all of his life. Matthew has a mild intellectual disability and has attended HSE EVE Estuary for the last 13 years.

His interest in art was initially motivated by his father’s love of fine art. Over time Matthew’s source of inspiration has evolved and he is now more influenced by areas such as tattoo design and movies that involve myths, legends, science fiction and sometimes horror.

Matthew has exhibited in a number of art exhibitions and won numerous competitions over the years.

Matthew has also been a member of group art projects and has created and installed artworks for festival and community projects such as Body & Soul, Electric Picnic, Knockanstockan and Upstart’s Pop-Up Granby Park.

Matthew enjoys the freedom to jump from one medium to the next and does not have a particular favourite way of expressing himself.

“I love art! If I didn’t have art in my life I wouldn’t know what to do. Art has kept me going all of my life.” – Matthew Colgan

We are very proud of Matthew’s talent, dedication and achievement. We look forward to seeing his artwork, along with the other artists creations, in The Copper House Gallery next week.

The artist at work and the work in progress –

Inspiration

© 2015 HSE/EVE