Energetic art reflecting the NT lifestyle and landscape
MattgraNTart is an artistic exploration into the art and culture of being a Territorian. My work is predominantly landscapes, flora and portraiture that help define what it means to live in the Territory. A place that is filled with culture, art, the outdoors and a relaxed lifestyle. I want to showcase a style that celebrates the Territories’ vibrancy and energy through the people and the landscape. I’m very energetic and love being out in the bush. I feel the landscape can make comment on our relationships, communication and social life.
Ever since watching Crocodile Dundee as a kid, I always wanted to live in the outback.
The hotter it is, the less you have to wear… Plus. there’s nothing like a heat nap.
I grew up in a tropical playground with everything at my doorstep - Darwin, the top end. It was the most fruitful upbringing someone could have. In 2012 I moved to Alice Springs when I was still in high school, and was amazed by the art culture and the desert style playground it had, too. The lively landscape and sacred history it holds to the locals is luckily surrounding me. It’s a very giving place. There is an ancient history on this land and there’s also a modern history that is forming. Being an artist, being part of a subculture that aims to connect with the land is a simple honour and feeling I’m grateful for.
I work in my garage turned studio at home and have a permanent display of works for sale in Leaping Lizards Gallery, Todd Mall. I work in Acrylic on canvas, of which I custom stretch to size from my experience as a custom framer.