Born in Manhattan and now based in Brooklyn, NY, Matthew Sprung’s work aims to channel the immediacy of Abstract Expressionism into an expressionistic figuration that considers the systems of valuation in America. Since beginning to teach himself to paint in 2016, Sprung’s practice has since evolved from introspective exploration to include and focus on the history of oppression and representation. Moving into more realistic elements of portraiture, subjects are chosen to illuminate the painfully slow pace of actual change in this country while hoping to motivate the viewer to utilize lessons of strength from the past to fight for a better today. The textured, gestural brushstrokes and frenzied movement on the canvas hope to find a sense of urgency and immediacy through the presence of the subjects while pairing a more traditional and painterly colorist approach for a balanced work.

Artist-Run Gallery Participation