Matthew Cook – Realism Art Exhibition

2014 Realism Art Exhibition – MyArtContest.com

Matthew Cook – Maumee, OH

My artwork takes a critical look at identity and how we choose to display ourselves to those around us, hiding blemishes, imperfections, impurities and shortcomings and often pretending to have, or exaggerating about nonexistent qualities. In my work I attempt to reveal this hidden identity through the washing away of the metaphorical, mask-like sins, to reveal what was previously hidden.

It is my goal to show, through this process, the figure in an unedited, heightened approach to realism, showing every blemish, pore, and wrinkle, similar to early works of Chuck Close and the works of Thomas Ruff; as well as to show the viewer the act of cleansing and acceptance of the beauty of imperfection.