Matthew SIMMONDS

Introducing...

28 May - 7 June 2010

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  Fragment of Retro Choir 2009, marble, 37.5 x 22 x 16 cm

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  Untitled II 2010, marble, 30 x 28 x 30 cm

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  Chapter House II 2010, marble, 30 x 33 x 24 cm

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  Carrara Dream 2009, Carrara marble, 32 x 16 x 12.5 cm

About the Exhibition

Axia Modern Art is proud to introduce architectural stone carver, Matthew Simmonds. Making a play of architectural spaces on a small scale, the solid stone into which Simmonds' sculptures are carved is opened up to reveal intricate worlds in which the changing viewpoint and light play a strong role in defining the sculptures.

Inspired by a lifelong fascination of stone buildings, Simmonds' work takes stone architecture, and particularly sacred architecture, as a central theme. The sculptures are part of a search to understand what sacred buildings are about, what gives significance to a space. In this way they are part of a personal inner search and a research into the shared human condition. Drawing on the formal language and philosophy of architecture the work explores themes of positive and negative form, the significance of light and darkness, and the relationship between nature and human endeavour.

After completing a Bachelor of Art History specialising in art and architecture of the medieval period, Matthew Simmonds trained as an architectural stone carver. These skills saw him assist with the restoration of important historical monuments such as Westminster Abbey and Ely Cathedral. Since relocating to Pietrasanta, Italy Simmonds has developed his own classical ornamental carving style in marble. He has participated in group and solo exhibitions in Europe, Asia and the USA. Matthew Simmonds' work is part of various international collections and he has taken part in public sculpture commissions in Italy, Germany, Taiwan, Lebanon and Albania.