Composite

Matthew McWilliams {featured in the upcoming No. 5 Omnivorous} is a an artist from Chicago, IL who’s work often relies on reappropriation of common objects, creating new contexts and uses to consider the world around us. He spent several weeks at the ACRE residency outside of Chicago at the end of the summer and we sat down (through email) to talk about his work and ACRE.

Composite: Tell us quickly about yourself.

Matthew McWilliams: I make art. I love pizza and it’s my favorite thing. You’ll usually find me behind a deli slicer. I’m eating a banana in Chicago where I live.

C: You’re work exists in a vernacular similar to Jeff Koons and Tony Tasset, sort of a New Pop style, dealing quite often with consumable goods. Where do you see these crossroads and how did you come to them?

MM: Tony is my dude. He was my first professor at UIC. There is no doubt that his thinking has influenced my own. Koons is tough though. We both use ubiquitous objects. He strives toward banality by means of reproduction and relocation. I like things as they are, only reconfigured. He’s got a way of making people angry and happy. I like sadness more than anger.

C: You recently completed a residency at ACRE in Chicago. How did you come about working with them? how was your experience?

MM: ACRE was great. I had never done a residency before. I spent ten wonderful days on the ranch with some of my new best friends and we made art together. The best part is that the residency runs year round by giving each of the residents gallery shows. Not only does this help young artists, but it strengthens the art community as a whole.

C: How did a residency stint compare and contrast to your normal studio practice?

MM: It became difficult to make art at ACRE. I was far too happy and all of my friends were around all day long. Fortunately, there’s not really a bad way to spend your time at ACRE. There’s a plethora of great visiting artists that screen, speak, and hold workshops every day. At worst, your floating down the Kickapoo “Lazy” River with a beer in your hand and someone you barely know right beside you.

C: What are you up to going forward from Composite No 5?

MM: I’ll be going to Burt’s Place for pizza in Morton Grove, IL in the very near future. I’m planning to do some much needed traveling to the west coast. I’ve got a solo show this winter in Chicago.