British artist Matthew Simmonds transforms raw stone into stunning art by masterfully carving intricate interiors that pay homage to classical and sacred architecture. Utilizing his expert skills as an architectural stone carver, Simmonds delves into the timeless dialogue between positive and negative spaces. His creations, often encased in marble, unveil hidden vistas that invite us to marvel at the complexity nestled within solid stone. The careful attention to detail not only reflects his lifelong fascination with stone buildings but also showcases an intimate understanding of how light and changing perspectives can redefine vistas within sculptural spaces. Each piece stands as a meditative exploration of the delicate balancing act between human creation and natural form.
Simmonds’ work is a profound commentary on the interplay of form and void, light and shadow—themes intrinsic to the philosophies of architecture. By manipulating the dense materiality of stone, he creates miniature worlds that echo the grandeur of sacred architecture, offering a tangible connection to the spiritual essence these spaces represent. His sculptures embody a unique synthesis of art and architecture, where each chiseled fragment reveals a new layer of history and human ingenuity. In bridging the gap between the solidity of stone and its capacity to inspire awe, Simmonds captures the spirit of ancient architectural marvels, evoking a sense of transcendence and continuity with human history.
Making a play of architectural spaces on a small scale, the solid stone into which the sculptures are carved is opened up to reveal intricate internal worlds in which the changing viewpoint and light play a strong role in defining the sculptures. Inspired by a life-long fascination of stone buildings, and drawing on skills learnt as an architectural stone carver, Simmonds’ work takes stone architecture, and particularly sacred architecture, as a central theme. 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.
Matthew Simmonds
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