Artist Statement
My work fluctuates between flat abstraction and the abstraction of the landscape. I work in bodies of work, but not necessarily series, to develop ideas and techniques. My work is executed using a number of different techniques and processes to achieve different surfaces and textures. Geometric shapes, planes, edges, horizon lines and open spaces encompass some but not all of the visual vocabulary of my work. The paint application, color and surface change through each season and each work evolves from one to the next. I often circle back to groups of paintings after departing and embarking on new work for a period of time. This cyclical process allows me to continue to explore new work and expand my practice over time.
Artist Biography
Matt Higgins b.1987, is an artist and art professor who lives and works in Philadelphia, PA.The majority of his undergraduate studies and early work were graphic design but eventually painting became the artist's primary medium. Along with maintaining a regular studio practice,Matt teaches design and drawing courses at the university level.
Education
2017
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
MFA
2011
West Chester University, West Chester, PA
BFA, Studio Art
Awards and Honors
2018
Third Place Award, “215/610 Contemporary” Delaware County Community College, Media, PA
2017
FMC Committee Selection Award, FMC Corporation, Philadelphia,PA
Venture Fund Grant Recipient, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
2015
MFA Merit Award, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Bibliography
Publications
Unity, Vol. 1 No. 1, TOHO Journal, 2019
Collections
Corporate
FMC Corporations, Philadelphia, PA
Private
Numerous private collections
Professional Experience
2021 - Present
Adjunct Professor, Design 1, Design 2: Color , Digital Imaging, and Color and Design for Media
Drexel University, Philadelphia PA
2021 - Present
Adjunct Professor, 2D Design
Moore College of Art and Design, Philadelphia, PA
2018 - Present
Adjunct Professor, 2D Design and Drawing 1
Delaware County Community College, Media PA
2016
Resident Critic, Post Baccalaureate Program
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Teacher’s Assistant, Subject, Form, and Content
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Teacher’s Assistant, Life Painting
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Visiting Critic, Advanced Painting
West Chester University, West Chester, PA
2015
Instructor, High School After School Program,
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, Pa
Exhibitions
Solo
2021
A Closer Look, FRIEDA, Philadelphia,PA
Group
2022
Work, Launderette Records, Philadelphia, PA
Curator: Scott Cooper
2021
Faculty Exhibition, Delaware County Community College, Media, PA
2019
Voices, FRIEDA, Philadelphia, PA
Inside The Bug Jar, Alumni Show, West Chester University, West Chester, PA
Homeroom: Self Titled, Kitchen Table Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2018
215/610 Contemporary, Juried Exhibition of Regional Emerging Artists, Delaware County Community College, Media, PA
Casual Sequence, Spillway Collective, Philadelphia, PA
2017
116th Annual Student Exhibition, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Way of Light, FMC Corporation, Philadelphia, PA
Good Fellows, Gallery 128 at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Juried Exhibition
2016
Nostalgic Memory, Gallery 8, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Young Philadelphians, Works On Paper Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Future’s Past Juried Exhibition, Gallery 128, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Philly Art Schools Juried Show, Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, PA
2015
152nd Exhibition of Small Oil Paintings, Philadelphia Sketch Club, Philadelphia, Pa
Juried Exhibition
