undisguised / undisclosed

It is the pedestrians who transform the street into a space. Yet this walking is often orientated. We are drawn back to significant places, familiar places, memorable places, weaving them together in improvised narratives - Mike Pearson

UNDISGUISED / UNDISCLOSED describes the two main elements that Pope presents in this new body of work. Undisguised environments, comprehensive landscapes and large-scale spaces, where Pope visited and explored, collecting objects for further investigation and experimentation. Undisclosed objects hidden gems that lie beneath the earth, provide the exhibition with intrigue as these seemingly mundane objects are reimagined in ways that enhance or contrast their associated meanings. By combining overt landscapes and secret objects, Pope presents audiences with the journey, the discovery and the presentation of various found objects from the Perth metropolitan area.

Pope’s artistic praxis encompasses live performance, sculptural installation, video art and photography. Using these methods, the artist recontextualises and alters perceptions that surround the objects. Through the use of assemblage, video projection and installation, Pope invites viewers to acknowledge the object(s) in alternative ways, considering new narratives and new perspectives. Pope aims to bring an admiration and connection to the found objects, forming relationships between them and the viewer. This connection between object and observer is aided by the inclusion of

Pope’s physical body. Whether placing himself within the landscape, presenting his body in relation to the objects, or using his body to give the objects a new purpose, Pope uses his physical body as a means to enhance and contrast meanings associated with the found pieces. Pope relies on his body throughout his art, from live participatory performance, body casts and self-portraiture. For the artist, the physical body allows him to fully connect and comprehend the themes and ideas he is working with. The artist uses his body not only as a means to document and highlight the objects, but to also provide the viewer with a personal connection to the object, either through viewing the artist’s body or viewing themselves through the artist’s body.

Walking will be used as a process of exploration and note taking to further understand the site where the objects were uncovered. Pope uses the performative aspect of walking to identify these spaces and to provide audiences with more information surrounding the pieces. UNDISGUISED / UNDISCLOSED presents walking as site-specific theatre, using the landscape to determine movements, emotions, pathways and narratives. It is through the act of walking and becoming one with the environment, that objects become visible and uncovered as a means to bring the site and environment into the gallery. Pope invites the audience to explore and view the objects, to consider the new narratives that emerge through their appearance, alteration and presentation.

This exhibition brings found objects into the gallery and highlights the journey that was undertaken to uncover them. Through walking around Perth, Western Australia, Matthew Pope creates intimate moments, lasting memories and varying impressions, focusing on the found object in relation to the human form. By understanding and reimagining discarded objects, Pope acknowledges their beauty, presence and impact.