MATT LOCK Watched From a World Within Wallpaper, 2023, colored pencil on paper, 11.7 x 8.3 in.

Matt Lock: An Odyssey into the Surreal and the Psyche

Featured Image: Watched From a World Within Wallpaper, Matt Lock, 2023, colored pencil on paper, 11.7 x 8.3 in.

Matt Lock's artistic odyssey is a journey through the surreal corridors of the human experience. His works, rendered in the soft yet vivid medium of colored pencils, challenge the viewer to confront the peculiarities of existence. From the dragon-masked figure in "This Deal Ends Tonight" to the mythical narrative in "Must Establish 20 Second Uplink With Cosmic Software," Lock weaves a tapestry of allegory and introspection. "Freaking Out in the Bathroom" delves into the struggles of self, while "On The Winds of Change, I Lost It At The Mall Today" externalizes inner chaos into a public arena.

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This Deal Ends Tonight, Matt Lock, 2022, colored pencil on paper, 11 x 8.5 in. / 27.94 x 21.59 cm.
This Deal Ends Tonight, Matt Lock, 2022, colored pencil on paper, 11 x 8.5 in. / 27.94 x 21.59 cm.

"This Deal Ends Tonight" by Matt Lock is a layered colored pencil composition that melds the domestic with the surreal. The drawing's central focus is a figure wearing a dragon mask at a dinner table, an intriguing symbol that may imply disguise or transformation. The inclusion of a double-barrel gun pointed towards the figure introduces an element of threat or confrontation, contrasting sharply with the mundane elements like the smartphone and food. This juxtaposition could suggest a commentary on the dangers lurking beneath the surface of everyday life or the violence that can intrude upon the ordinary. The artwork's muted color palette and detailed execution invite the viewer to unravel its narrative complexities.

Death Button Practice, Matt Lock, 2023, colored pencil on paper, 12 x 9 in. / 30.48 x 22.86 cm.
Death Button Practice, Matt Lock, 2023, colored pencil on paper, 12 x 9 in. / 30.48 x 22.86 cm.

"Death Button Practice" by Matt Lock is a complex tableau filled with symbolism and narrative intricacy. The colored pencil medium lends a softness that contrasts with the tension of the scene, as a figure engages with an elaborate cockpit that hints at larger implications. The inclusion of mythical elements, alongside a wolf and modern devices, creates a rich tapestry of past and present. This piece may speak to the control we have over our fates and the consequences of our actions in a world where technology and mythology intertwine.

Must Establish 20 Second Uplink With Cosmic Software in Order to Reverse Self-Awareness, Matt Lock, 2018, colored pencil on paper, 11.7 x 8.3 in. / 29.718 x 21.082 cm.
Must Establish 20 Second Uplink With Cosmic Software in Order to Reverse Self-Awareness, Matt Lock, 2018, colored pencil on paper, 11.7 x 8.3 in. / 29.718 x 21.082 cm.

"Must Establish 20 Second Uplink With Cosmic Software in Order to Reverse Self-Awareness" by Matt Lock is a vivid tableau brimming with allegory and existential inquiry. Through colored pencil on paper, Lock constructs a surreal landscape inhabited by mythical figures and cosmic symbols. The central figure, engaged in a seemingly arcane ritual, speaks to the human quest for connection with the greater universe, while the surrounding characters suggest a complex narrative of search and transformation. This artwork challenges the viewer to contemplate the relationship between consciousness and the cosmos.

Freaking Out in the Bathroom, Matt Lock, 2021, colored pencil on paper, 11 x 8.5 in. / 27.94 x 21.59 cm.
Freaking Out in the Bathroom, Matt Lock, 2021, colored pencil on paper, 11 x 8.5 in. / 27.94 x 21.59 cm.

"Freaking Out in the Bathroom" by Matt Lock is a striking piece that delves into the psyche of its subject. The colored pencil medium adds a raw, gritty texture that complements the emotional turmoil depicted. The figure, donning a horse mask, confronts their reflection, suggesting a dissonance between one's inner self and outward persona. The surreal elements within the bathroom setting amplify the theme of internal struggle. This artwork is an exploration of identity, perception, and the often hidden battles that rage behind closed doors.

On The Winds of Change, I Lost It At The Mall Today, Matt Lock, 2021, colored pencil on paper, 11 x 8.5 in. / 27.94 x 21.59 cm.

On The Winds of Change, I Lost It At The Mall Today, Matt Lock, 2021, colored pencil on paper, 11 x 8.5 in. / 27.94 x 21.59 cm.

Matt Lock's "On The Winds of Change, I Lost It At The Mall Today" is a visually compelling narrative illustrated with colored pencils. It depicts a chaotic scene with a range of characters, each seemingly caught in a moment of tension or confrontation. The central figure, positioned in a confrontational stance with a speech bubble, suggests a breakdown in communication or a moment of crisis. This artwork vividly portrays the confusion and disarray of modern life, encapsulated in the metaphorical setting of a mall—a place known for commerce and crowds.

Lock’s art stands as a portal to the subconscious, inviting us to question the layers of our reality. His work is not just a mirror to the soul but a map to the labyrinths of our deeper selves.

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Explore the enigmatic world of Matt Lock at Naturalist Gallery.

Travelling Spectacle, Matt Lock, 2022, colored pencil on paper, 11 x 8.5 in. / 27.94 x 21.59 cm.

Travelling Spectacle, Matt Lock, 2022, colored pencil on paper, 11 x 8.5 in. / 27.94 x 21.59 cm.

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