Matt Burrows is the curator and galleries manager at Exeter Phoenix. We met him in October when he showed us around his contemporary open exhibit.
Unlike the typical focus on commissions or sales within the art world, Matt dedicates his efforts to collaborating with emerging artists, often assisting them in showcasing their work for the first time. His background includes working for a company that specialized in transporting art—ranging from studios to galleries, sales, and even back to the artists' studios. Matt also gained valuable experience as a studio assistant for the sculptor, Alex Hartley, developing a notable skill in moving art and managing displays, which he considers beneficial for his resume. Matt has also worked with Grayson Perry right after Perry won the Turner Prize, witnessing firsthand the integration of ceramics into contemporary art. His favourite artist is Peter Doig, a preference influenced by his personal experiences working and spending time with him.
Moving to Devon provided Matt with an opportunity to immerse himself in contemporary art away from the pressures of commercial success and wealth, focusing instead on the pure exchange and appreciation of artistic work. Curating, a significant aspect of Matt's career, involves meticulous planning in the presentation of art. He adheres to a general rule that the centre of an image should be positioned 150 cm off the floor to accommodate viewers of all heights, including those in wheelchairs, promoting inclusivity. Matt forms a unique relationship with each artwork, attributed to the extensive time he spends with each piece.
Matt prefers the 'Salon style' for displaying artwork, especially when dealing with numerous pieces and the desire to cover the walls extensively. He believes that the choice of materials for hanging and displaying works can unify the exhibition, signalling to the audience that the pieces are interconnected. The presentation style, according to Matt, plays a crucial role in communicating the intended emotions or messages of the show to the audience. This belief extends to the use of different materials and setups, such as white walls or black curvy walls, to create a thematic ambience.
An interesting display method mentioned is one utilized by Tanya Cova, who arranges hundreds of A4 pieces of paper to form a cohesive large image, showcasing creativity in engaging the audience. Matt also emphasizes the importance of conveying to viewers when a piece is interactive, enhancing their experience. He views plinths as an essential yet often overlooked extension of gallery walls, carefully considering how the display technique might subconsciously influence the audience's interpretation and interaction with the artwork.
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